When it comes to a healthy mouth, your gums play a vital role. After all, gums are the foundation of your teeth. To learn more about gum disease and how to avoid it, keep reading.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease affects more than 75 percent of adults over 35. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease can begin as gingivitis before progressing into a more harmful form. Gum disease can present itself when adequate dental hygiene isn’t practiced, and thus, mouth bacteria turns to plaque. This can, in turn, make gums inflamed.
The good news is, if caught early enough, gum disease can be treated and reversed. However, if it is untreated, it can lead to loss of teeth. Not to mention, studies indicate that oral health, including gum health, is linked to overall health.
Gum disease is capable of progressing without pain and with few signs, so it’s important to understand that you could have no symptoms and still have some level of gum disease. In some cases, gum disease affects certain teeth only, like molars, for example. This is why it’s crucial to visit your dentists every six months at minimum for your checkup.
Visible signs of gum disease, however, include:
-swollen, tender or red gums
-bad breath or foul taste in your mouth
-Deep pockets forming between your gums and teeth
-Loose teeth or change in bite or fit of dentures/partials
If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, you should see your dentist right away.
Gum disease treatment and how to avoid needing it
There are key strategies you can implement to avoid gum disease altogether…and, truth be told, they are fairly simple!
First (and it goes without saying), you should take care to brush your teeth twice daily and floss every day. Flossing removes debris from between the teeth that can cause bacteria that turns into plaque. As you brush, be sure not to use too much pressure, as this can lead to damage to the gums. Use a soft-bristled brush and brush gently in a circular motion rather than back and forth, which can irritate your gums and cause them to recede.
Next, you should never skip your six-month dental cleaning and exam. Your cleaning removes stuck-on plaque in hard-to-reach places and also identifies any potential issues looming in the mouth.
If you do learn that you have gum disease, Dr. Milan can help. As part of his advanced dentistry offerings, he can provide treatment for periodontal disease. Using soft tissue grafting, he can cover exposed tooth surfaces caused by receding gums. This offers a layer of protection and also an aesthetic benefit for “toothy” smiles.
Additionally, Dr. Milan, is one of just a few dentists who offer the Pinhole Surgical Technique for gums, also know as the lunchtime gum lift. This intricate treatment utilizes a minimally invasive lift through a small entry point in the gums and repositions the gum tissue. The best part is the results can be seen right away.
Your cosmetic dentist in Michigan
Dr. Mitchell Milan is one of the most highly regarded dentists in southeast Michigan. He specializes in not only preventative and restorative dentistry but also advanced and cosmetic dentistry in Michigan. With a vast list of patients, not only local but those who travel from other states over his 20-year career, Dr. Milan receives most of his business from referrals from highly satisfied patients. And to him, this is the best compliment he could receive.
Known for his kind, compassionate demeanor that is matched only by his high-caliber skill, Dr. Milan is among the best of the best in dental care and cosmetic dentistry.
Do you want to learn more about how Dr. Milan can help you get the healthiest teeth and gums you’ve ever had, call his office now for your appointment.