Gum Treatment
Gum disease can cause a lot of pain on a daily basis and can stop you from eating the foods you want, enjoying your day, and even smiling.Healthy gums should be pink, firm and keep your teeth securely in place. Your gums shouldn't bleed when you touch or brush them.
Gum disease treatment aims to eliminate the bacteria infection that can cause a bad taste in the mouth and bad breath. Successful treatment of gum disease is possible if diagnosed in its early stages, but can be difficult to recognise without routine dental check-ups.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Gum disease is a very common conditionwhere the gums become swollen, sore or infected.
There are various stages of gum disease, with an increase in severity of symptoms:
Gingivitis
The early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. It refers to inflammation of the gums and begins with bacterial growth in your mouth. The initial symptoms of gum disease can include:
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Red and swollen gums
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Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing your teeth
Periodontitis
If gingivitis isn't treated, a condition called periodontitis can develop. Untreated periodontitis may result in damage of the bone in your jaw and small spaces can open up between the gum and teeth. Symptoms of periodontitis can include:
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Bad breath (halitosis)
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An unpleasant taste in your mouth
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Tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth
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Gum abscesses (collections of pus that develop under your gums or teeth)
What causes gum disease?
There are a number of factors that can cause gum disease, such as:
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Poor oral hygiene
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Poor diet
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Bad habits like tobacco use
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More susceptible to gum disease because of your genetics
How can I treat my gum disease?
Successful treatment of gum disease is possible if diagnosed in its early stages, but can be difficult to recognise without routine dental check-ups.The best way to treat gum disease is to practise good oral hygiene, although additional dental and medical treatments are sometimes necessary.
You should make an appointment to see your dentist if you think you may have gum disease.
Stellenbosch Dental Studio strives to give patients the smile that they deserve. If you’re suffering from gum disease routine dental visits, cleanings and treatments are a necessity.