Many people are aware that their teeth need to remain cavity-free. However, the state of their gums is sometimes overlooked. Nevertheless, maintaining good gingival health is important. The gums support the teeth, and when they become inflamed and infected, they can spread the infection to the bone of the jaw. Since the roots of the teeth lie in the bone, an infected jawbone can result in loose teeth that may even fall out.
The health of the gums declines as the tissues are irritated by oral acids. The greater the amount of the acid in the mouth, the greater the negative impact on the gums. The amount of acid in the mouth corresponds to the amount of plaque and bacteria that are present in the oral cavity.
When bacteria in the mouth feed, they release the acid as a waste product. The acid causes inflammations, which leads to the development of gum disease. Gum disease has various stages based on the severity of the condition. The first stage is gingivitis. Here is a bit of information about gingivitis and its treatment.
Signs of Gingivitis
Several symptoms present as gingivitis develops. The symptoms include:
If gingivitis is not reversed, it can worsen. The gum disease can progress to periodontitis, which is a severe form of the condition. Periodontitis is characterized by gingival pockets, which form between the teeth and the gums. The deeper the pockets, the more severe the condition.
Treating Gingivitis
Gingivitis can be treated by brushing and flossing thoroughly and consistently. The brushing removes the plaque, which contains the acid-producing microbes, from the natural crowns of the teeth. The flossing cleans the plaque and debris from the spaces between the teeth and just underneath the gums.
Dental tartar can house bacteria that can incite gum disease. Thus, in addition to cleaning your teeth at home, you should have the tartar accumulations removed during professional cleanings. The tartar, which is the plaque that has hardened into place, must be scraped from the teeth using a scaler. The dentist removes tartar buildup during professional dental cleanings, which are normally performed at least twice a year.
If your gums are displaying signs of gingivitis, schedule an appointment with a dentist in your local area. Contact a company like New England Dental Specialists of Norwood to learn more.
As a homeschool parent and independent contractor, I don't always have time to practice good dental care. I often find myself in a rush just to meet my daily tasks and goals. My lack of good dental care eventually caught up with me. After experiencing severe pain in my back tooth, I made an appointment with my dentist. My dentist found a large hole in the center of the tooth. Root canal treatment couldn't save the tooth, so my dentist extracted it. I learned a very painful and valuable lesson that day. No matter how hectic my life is, I should still make time to brush and floss my teeth properly. I'm here to help you and other people avoid painful dental problems with my blog. I offer tips on how to keep your teeth clean and how to spot dental problems before they get out of control. Good luck.