How often do you worry about the aesthetics of your teeth when looking in a mirror? probably quite often. But do you ever look at your gums and think, “Are they alright?”  Chances are, not very often. Most of us don’t pay much attention to our gums until there’s a problem or an annoying infection cropping up. Here are some shocking facts for you on gum diseases, based on the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s survey.

• Almost 47.2% of the total American population have gum disease, be it mild, moderate, or severe.
• The rate is more than 70% in adults above the age of 65.
• The gum disease rate in men and women is 56.4% and 38.4 respectively.

Based on the above statistics, it is time to take your gums seriously and get regular dental checkups. 

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Recognizing Early Signs of Gum Disease

Gums play an important role in your oral health. However, gingivitis is a problem that can put your oral health at risk.

Gum diseases don’t occur overnight. They develop gradually, and only early detection can help you fight against them. You must look for the early signs of gum disease, and if you see anything unusual, do not hesitate to contact us at Peace of Mind Dental Studio, AZ.

What is Gingivitis? How Does It Affect Your Oral Health?

Gingivitis is a mild, reversible form of gum disease that starts with inflammation of the gums. Your gums are light pink in color. As plaque starts forming around the gum line, it starts affecting the gum line, causing it to recede and turn dark pink and slightly gray. 

Gingivitis can be treated. It isn’t a severe disease that causes tooth loss. However, early detection and timely treatment are required because if left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis. It is severe and irreversible. Thus, prevention is better than cure in this case.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Gingivitis

Some of the early signs of gingivitis are:

Swollen gums: If your gums are swollen, it is the first sign of a problem.

Receding gums: Can you see the gum line receding? Are your teeth more sensitive? It might be gingivitis. As the teeth roots are exposed, they are prone to infection.

Dark color of gums– Usually, gums are pink. A changed color indicates a problem.

Bad breath: As you have bacteria present in your mouth, they lead to bad breath.

Bleeding during brushing or flossing- Bleeding isn’t normal in any case. If your gums are bleeding, you need expert assistance.

Tender gums: If your gums feel tender to the touch or become sore, it may be a sign of gingivitis.

Gingivitis Treatment

Gingivitis is a reversible problem which can be treated with proper dental care. Treatment options for gingivitis include:

Professional Dental Cleanings

Brushing at home is an effective oral hygiene procedure, but once tartar buildup is in your mouth, you need professional dental cleaning. Dentists can remove the plaque from every nook and crook of your mouth. You may call it gingivitis cleaning, as it effectively reduces the chances of gingivitis.

Proper Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is the key to prevent and treat gingivitis. Regular brushing and flossing are essential and non-negotiable. 

Mouthwash

Your dentist may recommend an antimicrobial or antiseptic mouthwash to help reduce bacteria in your mouth.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing refers to removing plaque and tartar form under the gumline. It is essential to prevent infection in severe cases.

Regular Dental Checkups

Schedule a six-monthly checkup with your dentist so your dentist can identify any potential problems, if there are, and advise you on the best ways to prevent them.

Gum Hyperplasia

When talking about gum disease, gum hyperplasia must be talked about as not many people know about it. Gum hyperplasia is a side effect of certain medications, such as antiseizure drugs and calcium channel blockers. It causes gum tissues to overgrow, making them look like swollen gums. It is a similar condition to gingivitis. You might confuse its symptoms with that of gingivitis’s.

Prevention Strategies

If stats are to be believed, then gum hyperplasia is rare, affecting only one in 17,50,000 people. However, it is wise to know the prevention strategies:

• Brush and floss regularly to prevent gum diseases.
• Consume a healthy diet, including fruits, vegetables, and less junk and packaged food.
• Smoking increases your chances of gum disease significantly. Quitting smoking can improve your oral health.
• Visit your dentist regularly for dental checkups and stay abreast of your oral health progress.
• If you have a medical condition, such as diabetes or osteoporosis, there is always a greater chance of gum disease and tooth damage. Take extra care of your oral health in such cases.

Improve Your Oral Health with POM Dental Studio

Plaque is a sticky layer wherein the bacteria develop and affect your overall health. Over time, it appears like a faint yellow lining on the gum line. With regular brushing, plaque buildup can be prevented; however, once it turns into tartar, it requires professional cleaning by a dentist.

The tartar buildup causes receding gums and is vital in causing gingivitis. Thus, you need professional dental cleaning wherein the tartar is effectively removed. Professional dental cleaning is affordable and prevents gum diseases.

At Peace of Mind Dental Studio, we provide routine laser dental cleaning. It effectively breaks down tartar buildup and fights minimal bacterial infections. 

Book an appointment today!