Research indicates that there is a link between periodontal disease and other health conditions, such as diabetes, stroke, heart health, and bacterial pneumonia. Studies have also indicated that pregnant women with gum disease can give birth to low-weight or premature babies. Therefore, having healthy teeth and gums can be important to your overall health. However, it has been estimated that over 75% of adults have gum disease, whether it be in the early or advanced stages. Left untreated, gum disease can result in tooth loss. Dr. Amanda Foust stresses the importance of general dentistry and tooth care. Dr. Foust can evaluate her patients for gum disease, and if symptoms are present, she can recommend various practices and strategies to combat it. During your visit, Dr. Foust will perform a periodontal evaluation, examine each tooth, analyze the patient’s bite, and perform an oral cancer screening.
How Gum Disease Develops
There is a reason your dentist tells you to brush your teeth at least twice a day. It’s because your mouth is full of over 600 known types of bacteria. Bacteria can cause gingivitis or swelling and bleeding of the gums. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. The plaque that forms on our teeth is a mixture of these bacteria, our saliva, food particles, and other matter. If plaque is not removed by brushing, it solidifies, covering your teeth with tartar, or calcified plaque. Left untreated, gingivitis can cause inflammation and infection of the gums around the tooth, which after a period of time can begin to break down underlying bone, resulting in tooth loss.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Some of the symptoms of gum disease include:
- Sensitive teeth
- Pain when chewing
- Sore or aching gums
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath that’s resistant to treatment
- The appearance of pus between your teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
Treatment
Although severe cases of gum disease may need to be addressed by a periodontal specialist (periodontist), the early gingivitis is usually treated with a deep cleaning, which often takes more than one visit. Typically, it involves cleaning the tartar off the surfaces of your teeth’s roots below the gum line. Antibiotics may be prescribed in the form of a mouth wash, a gel, or in tablet or capsule form. However, the best way to combat gum disease is to prevent it. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once. Limit your intake of sugary drinks and snacks, and attend scheduled dental cleanings as often as Dr. Foust recommends.
About Your Polk City Dentist:
If you are experiencing sore or bleeding gums, sensitive teeth or tooth loss, then schedule an appointment with your Ankeny, IA dentist today. You can reach Dental Impressions by calling (515) 965-0230. Since 2006, Dr. Amanda Foust has proudly treated families in Ankeny, Alleman, Elkhart, Bondurant, and all surrounding communities.
