Heal and Strengthen After Gum Disease

By Michael S Saoud, DMD

Michael S. Saoud, DMD

. https://www.drsaoud.com/

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Heal and Strengthen After Gum Disease

Bacteria find the mouth to be a very hospitable place to live. Bacteria can readily cause gum irritation and inflammation and still go unnoticed because the increased redness is subtle, and the tenderness and bleeding occur only occasionally. It is easy to believe your mouth is fairly healthy even when it isnt.
One of your dentists immediate concerns before restoring damaged and/or missing teeth is to make sure the gums are as healthy as possible. When periodontal (gum) disease is not treated, bone damage occurs between the gum and the tooth. You cannot see it yourself unless the gum recedes. A receding gum line makes you appear older. It is indicative of bone loss. The best prevention is to consistently remove the sticky bacterial film from your teeth and to have teeth professionally cleaned on a routine, frequent basis. If bone loss has begun, treatment requires more than getting your teeth cleaned.
Appearance is only one concern. Gum inflammation affects your overall health and is linked to higher incidences of heart disease and other health problems. It can actually shorten your life.
Commonly, gum tissue is fibrous enough to retain its form and position so only a dentist or dental hygienist can discover the “pocket” that forms in the crevice between the gum and the tooth. While your efforts to remove the food debris that nourish bacteria are worthwhile, many of the periodontal disease bacteria grow without the benefit of food remnants. Your dentist and hygienist are well-trained and anxious to share with you techniques to effectively remove the bacterial film where you can reach it. When brushing and flossing alone will not get at the “root” of the problem, your dentist and hygienist will need to remove the film of bacteria that grows below the gum line within the crevice.
A comprehensive oral health evaluation always includes a very thorough examination of the gum tissues and how well they are attached to adjacent teeth; information is carefully recorded using diagrams and many numerical references. In order to correctly estimate the anatomy of the bone supporting your teeth and gums and to explain your current periodontal status your dentist carefully studies this information, alongside additional information gathered from photographs, x-rays, impression and examination of your teeth and bite.
As you and your dentist discover the condition of your gums and bone supporting your teeth, you may find that therapeutic treatment to stop and reverse existing disease is in your best interest. Frequent periodontal cleanings are commonly required for a period of time to restore health to the gums and bone. Your dentist may refer you to a periodontal specialist for additional treatment.