Correcting Gum Disease
If you've noticed that your teeth look longer, or your gums seem to be pulling back from your teeth, you have receding gums. This can have several causes. The most serious cause is periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. While there's no simple cure for periodontal disease, you can and should manage it. The health of your mouth and teeth depend on it.
Gum Disease Stages ( Periodontal Disease )
Gum disease is a group of diseases with the same end results; inflammation of the gums, destruction of the periodontal ligament, loss of supporting bone and ultimately tooth loss.
Gingivitis
In the early stage of gingivitis, bacteria in plaque build-up, causes the gums to become inflamed and to easily bleed during tooth brushing. Although the gums may be irritated, the teeth are still firmly imbedded in their sockets. No irreversible bone or other tissue damage has occurred at this stage.Early - Moderate Periodontitis
If the first stage is left untreated, the second stage of gum disease often results in which the plaque turns into hard tartar which would not be removed by brushing alone. Also known as Periodontitis, it is a moderately severe form of gum disease which requires aggressive treatment.Advanced Periodontitis
Advanced or severe periodontitis stage represents the irreversible and complicated form of gum disease which is characterised by bone involvement, tooth decay and permanent tooth loss.
Healthy Teeth and Gums are Crucial to your Overall Health
Healthy To Diseased Gums
In a healthy mouth, the gums are pink, and the gum line is even around all the teeth. If gum recession develops, the gums often look swollen. The gum line also looks lower around some teeth than around others. Gum tissue wears away, leaving more of a tooth exposed.
As gum disease is usually painless and slow to progress, it can simply reach an advanced stage before you observe any problems. This can result in deterioration of gums and bone structure and eventually tooth loss.Removing plaque through daily brushing and flossing as well as scheduling regular dental appointments for professional cleaning are the best ways to minimise your risk for gum disease.
In the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, the gums become red, swell, and bleed easily. The disease is still reversible at this stage and can usually be eliminated by careful daily brushing and flossing. In the more advanced stages of gum disease, called periodontitis, the gums and bone that support the teeth become seriously damaged. If the disease is left untreated, it can eventually lead to loss of teeth.
You should visit your dentist regularly to have your teeth professionally cleaned. Although regular brushing and flossing will keep plaque in check, only your dentist has the tools necessary to remove tartar (also known as calculus) that may have built up on your teeth. In addition, regular check-ups can help your dentist monitor your oral health and identify and prevent problems before they require more comprehensive or expensive treatment.
If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, or if you need to establish a schedule of routine cleanings with an excellent dental practice, contact your local dentist in Preston for gum disease treatment at Lane Ends Dental Practice.