Outside of cavities, gum conditions are one of the leading causes of people needing to see the dentist each year. While being easily preventable, gum disease can sometimes be difficult to treat, especially if it has entered the advanced stages. It is important for you to understand the different types of gum conditions and the symptoms they present, so you can know when to seek treatment from the Dentistry Heber Springs office. This will allow you to have your gum condition monitored and treated, so you do not experience major damages and tooth loss.
What are the Main Types of Gum Disease?
Gingivitis — This gum disease is the mildest of the forms of gum conditions. It begins with swollen, red and bleeding gum tissue. This occurs when plaque has been sitting on the teeth and then becomes wedged under the gum tissue. Typically, this is caused by poor oral hygiene practices. Most people realize they have the condition when their teeth easily bleed when brushing or flossing. If you notice these signs, it is imperative you seek dental treatment right away. With good oral care, the condition is completely treatable and can be reversed quickly.
Periodontitis — Also called Periodontal disease, this begins as Gingivitis and then becomes severe. As the plaque continues to build up under the surface of the gum tissue, the gums become more inflamed. Eventually, they will develop pockets of infection around the teeth. This begins to cause loosening of the teeth and will eventually cause loss. To treat this condition, the dentist will use aggressive antibiotic therapy. You may also need to have laser therapy or surgery to remove the diseased gum tissue, so your gums can begin to heal. This ongoing effort may be able to save your teeth, but many patients end up with false teeth, especially if their disease is in the latter stages.
For more information on Dentistry Heber Springs contact the dental office of Jason T Bolding DDS. He and his staff can provide you with the best in dental services, for improved oral health and a beautiful smile.
