What You Need to Know About Gum Disease

Gum disease is reversible, but if left to its own devices, could lead to tooth loss. If you are experiencing swollen or red gums, bleeding after brushing and flossing or bad breath that just won’t go away, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Your dentist explains that gum disease affects millions of people across the country, but what used to be an epidemic in adults over the age of 35, is now becoming more common in teenagers and even children.

Bacteria and plaque invading the gum line cause gingivitis, and the more serious periodontal disease. In the early stages of gum disease, your gums will bleed easy when you brush and floss. They will also become inflamed, red, and swollen. During the gingivitis stage, tissue damage and irreversible bone loss have yet to occur.

If you do not see your dentist for a professional cleaning, gingivitis can advance to the more serious periodontal disease. People who have periodontal disease will see the inner layer of their gums and jawbone begins to pull away from the tooth or teeth allowing pockets to form. Because your body is fighting the bacteria, the plaque will begin to spread and grow underneath your gum line. That bacteria, plaque and tartar, will begin to break down your bone along with the connective tissue that is there to hold your teeth in place.

When periodontal disease progresses, those pockets that have formed between your teeth and gums will begin to deepen, weakening the bones that anchor your teeth in place. Unfortunately, in the majority of cases, this does lead to tooth loss. Gum disease is the number one reason that adults lose their teeth.

The primary reason for gum disease is poor oral hygiene. To prevent gingivitis, the American Dental Association recommends that you brush twice each day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once each day and eat a healthy well-balanced diet. The ADA also recommends that you visit your dentist twice a year or more often if you have fought gum disease in the past. If you are unsure what products to use, check out the ADA list of approved dental care products.

Other causes of gum disease include hormonal changes such as menopause, puberty, and pregnancy. Gingivitis and periodontitis can also occur if you are on certain medications, such as Procardia, Dilantin, and Adalat, as these medications can cause abnormal growths to occur in and around the gum tissue. If are suffering from a systemic disease you may also be more susceptible to gum disease. Smoking and chewing tobacco can also cause gum disease as can a family history of gingivitis or periodontal disease.

For more information regarding gum disease prevention, schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

Nip Your Fear of the Dentist in the Bud with Sedation Dentistry

Often referred to as, “Sleep Dentistry,” Sedation Dentistry doesn’t actually put you to sleep unless you are having an invasive oral surgery such as a dental implant or an extraction.

Sedation Dentistry is used to help people overcome their fear of the dentist putting them in a relaxed state while still able to listen and adhere to the dentists commands.

Web MD explains that Sedation Dentistry is used to help people who experience anxiety when it comes to the dentist’s chair.

Some people are so phobic about dental checkups that they prefer to avoid treatment all together. Unfortunately, avoiding dental treatments can make problems worse. If you had taken care of that nagging toothache in the beginning, you might not need a Root Canal.

Sedation Dentistry is perfect for people who avoid the dentist as it can help relax you and ease the anxiety. Sedation Dentistry can be used for more invasive procedures such as an extraction or filling or for something as simple as a professional tooth cleaning.

If you opt for Sedation Dentistry, your dentist will use medication to help you relax. As mentioned above, unless you are being put under with general anesthesia, you will be awake during your dental procedure.

Four levels of Sedation Dentistry are used dependent on your fear level.

Minimal sedation, where you breathe nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is used with oxygen that you breathe through a mask that your dentist places over your nose. The gas is used to help you relax. Your dentist has the ability to control how much nitrous oxide you receive. After the procedure, the gas wears off quickly allowing you to drive yourself home after the dental treatment.

Moderate sedation, also called conscious or oral sedation requires you to be driven home after your dental therapy treatment. Depending on how much is administered, this type of sedation can range from minimal to moderate. The night before the procedure or on the day, you will be given a pill to take, which may make you drowsy or put you to sleep.

IV moderate sedation is administered through a vein and goes to work quite quickly. This type of sedation allows your dentist to adjust the levels of sedation throughout the procedure.

During deep sedation or general anesthesia, your dentist will give you medication that will make you nearly unconscious, or unconscious. This type of sedation is normally used for oral surgery procedures.

If you have been avoiding the dentist out of fear, schedule an appointment with your dentist for Sedation Dentistry. Leaving your bleeding gums or toothache to its own devices will only make things worse.