Gingivitis is a mild gum disease typically caused by a bacterial infection that leads to gum swelling. If not treated properly, it can develop into a more severe gum disease known as periodontitis.
These two gum diseases are the primary reasons for tooth loss in adults.
At Smile Makers Dental in Concord, California, we know that prevention is the best treatment. That is why, in this article, we’re getting into the causes and symptoms of gum disease to help you identify and treat a gum condition before it develops into a more severe one.
Causes of Gum Disease
Our gum is attached to the teeth and forms a small space known as the gingival sulcus. When food plaque gets stuck in the sulcus, it can cause gingivitis.
If not treated in its earlier stages, gingivitis can cause the gum to separate from the teeth and lead to infections as well as injuries to soft tissue and the jawbone.
For this reason, it is important to identify gingivitis early on, before it develops into a more serious gum disease and causes tooth loss.
Buildup of plaque is the main cause of gum disease. However, there are several other causes of gum disease that include:
- Not maintaining a good oral hygiene
- Bad habits such as smoking, consuming tobacco, or drinking alcohol
- Genetic predisposition to dental diseases
Common Symptoms of Gum Disease
If you have gum disease, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Swollen gums that bleed while brushing or flossing
- Loose teeth
- A change in the setting of the teeth
- Pus between gums and interproximal spaces
- Plaque or white spots on the gum
- Unpleasant mouth odor
You should look out for these symptoms to avoid any complications and detect gum diseases at an early stage. If you notice any one of them, you should schedule a dental appointment with Smile Makers Dental in Concord, California.
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease can be treated with non-surgical or surgical treatments.
Surgical methods include bone or soft tissue grafting, bone surgery, guided tissue regeneration. These methods are used for the treatment of severe conditions like periodontitis and take a while to heal but are very effective.
Non-surgical treatments for mild gum diseases like gingivitis include:
- professional dental cleaning
- scaling
- root planing
To prevent and treat gum disease, it is important that you maintain proper oral hygiene.
If you are suffering from gum disease or want to know more about how to prevent it, schedule a consultation with Dr. S. Gavin Ewing, Dentist in Concord CA, D.D.S. by calling (925) 685-9339, booking an appointment online, or visiting us at 901 Sunvalley Blvd. Suite 240, Concord 94520.
