One of the main components of dentistry is preventative techniques that minimize a patient’s chances of developing dental disease. The best way to maintain optimal dental hygiene is by brushing your teeth at least twice a day. However, physicians recommend cleaning your mouth after every meal to prevent food debris from accumulating and forming plaque on your teeth. Patients who do not brush and floss their teeth regularly risk developing dental concerns like gum disease Richmond, which occurs upon plaque accumulation which becomes tartar. This dangerous substance affects the gum tissue.
What is the difference between periodontitis and gingivitis?
Periodontitis and gingivitis are among the most prevalent dental concerns affecting patients. The latter is a condition comprising gum inflammation due to bacteria infestation. Periodontitis is the following condition that develops when a bacterial infection grows in your mouth, causing gum disease. Physicians insist on early diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis because this condition affects the surrounding gum tissue leading to severe tooth destruction and loss.
It is critical to seek solutions for any gum inflammation, even when symptoms are mild, to eliminate the underlying cause and thus prevent the development of gingivitis into periodontitis, which may cause severe dental complications. However, it is possible to prevent and reverse gingivitis. You need to appreciate the importance of maintaining maximum debt hygiene and ensuring you floss and brush your teeth regularly.
What is the significance of regular dental cleaning and checkups in preventing gum disease?
Although the least common reason patients visit dental clinics is to receive medical intervention for their concerns, dentists insist on the importance of regular dental clinics and checkups in maintaining oral health. A dentist conducts a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s mouth during these visits to detect any risk factors for disease. It may be necessary to review your medical and family history to determine any predispositions to gum disease.
If your dentists detect any plaque buildup, you may need dental cleaning to restore wellness to your teeth. Dental cleanings also eliminate all traces of bacteria, thus preventing gum disease.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Patient education should include ways to prevent gum disease and concerns. When patient awareness has diagnostic symptoms of gum disease, this strategy promotes early medical intervention and thus improves treatment efficacy. The earlier you seek treatment for your gum disease, the higher your chances of reversing any complications. Below are the most common signs and symptoms of gum disease:
- Receding gums
- Bleeding gums after brushing
- Redness and swelling in the gum
- Persistent foul smell
- Loose teeth
- Formation of deep gum pockets around teeth.
How do dentists diagnose gum disease?
Although you may suspect gum disease to be the cause of your symptoms, it is best to seek professional assistance to confirm your diagnosis and thus determine the best treatment approach depending on your individual needs. Dentists diagnose gum disease by checking for sensitivity and evaluating teeth movement. Call Juan M. Carrillo, DMD, if you have questions about any dental concerns you suspect might result from gum disease.