About Gum Treatment
Oral health is an important part of overall health and neglecting your teeth and gums can
lead to
bigger health problems
over time. The good news is there are ways to prevent, and in some cases reverse, the damage
that poor oral hygiene can
cause. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and regularly seeing a dentist are all ways to
maintain a
healthy mouth.
But what happens when teeth and gums become unhealthy? If not treated, an unhealthy mouth
can
lead to gum recession or
gum disease such as gingivitis, periodontitis. Cavities and advanced tooth decay are also
likely
due to hardened plaque
and tartar. The longer you wait for treatment, the higher the likelihood you may experience
gum
recession, and tooth
loosening or loss.
The good news is that treatment and prevention can improve and restore your oral health.
And, if
you have already
experienced issues with your gums, a TeethToday procedure with Emdogain may be the solution
to
get you smiling again.
About Gum Disease
Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that
surround and support your
teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss and can occur when bacteria is not removed from
under
the gum line and then
builds up over time. If the bacteria is not removed by typical at-home care such as brushing
and
flossing, it can begin
to form plaque, a sticky and destructive substance that forms on our teeth. If left
untreated,
plaque turns into a
harder substance called calculus, which can eat away at your gums and bone, causing loose,
and
ultimately lost teeth.
There are two levels of gum disease that can affect the gums: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis, characterized by
red and irritated or bloody gums, is the milder form of gum disease. Without proper
treatment it
can lead to the more
serious periodontitis, which is defined as inflammation and infection that destroys the
tissues
that support the teeth,
including the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets.
Both types of gum diseases are fairly common among adults in the United States and both
generally
can be reversed, or
their symptoms lessened, with effective care consisting of professional cleaning at your
dental
office followed by daily
brushing and flossing.
About Gum Recession
Gum recession happens when the surface of the gums that surrounds your teeth becomes
unhealthy
and begins to pull away
from your teeth. Left untreated, it can expose more of your teeth than is welcome, and
eventually expose the roots. When
gums recede, they form gaps or “pockets” that make it easier for food and bacterial to build
up,
leading to gingivitis
and periodontitis.
In severe cases, the jaw bone and other facial structures can become damaged, which can
ultimately lead to tooth loss.
Gum recession is a common problem and usually begins slowly. Although some degree of gum
recession is quite common,
especially as a patient ages, advanced situations allow the teeth to become more susceptible
to
decay and damage. With
proper professional care and diligent at-home care, gum recession can be treated and in some
cases, reversed.