How To Reverse Gum Disease
Gum disease is a common condition that can cause damage to your teeth if left too long. Many actually have it and not realize it. It's important that it's caught early so that it can be treated before it causes too much damage. In its later stages, can cause tooth loss and even bone loss or jaw problems. Gum disease starts with irritation, bleeding gums and other symptoms that might not seem serious but overtime can affect other organs in your body such as the heart.
Who to See About Gum Disease
If you have or are at risk of developing it, your dentist should be able to identify it during your regular dental cleanings. However, you don't have to wait until your next scheduled visit to the dentist if you suspect you might have . If you experience symptoms like painful or swollen gums and bleeding when you brush your teeth, you should see your dentist immediately. If the has advanced, you might also be referred to a periodontist who specializes in treatments specifically for your gums. They can diagnose and treat , including helping with solutions to replace missing teeth.
Catching Gum Disease Early
If you have and it is diagnosed early, it can be easier to treat. There is a range of ways you can improve your oral health at home including oil pulling and using mouthwash such as Listerine. Your dentist will recommend a range of ways to practice good oral hygiene, from brushing and flossing well to using mouthwash. There are also dental treatments that might help, such as having a scale and polish or root planning. You might also be given painkillers if you're experiencing any pain from .
Treatment for More Advanced Gum Disease
Some people might need to take antibiotics, although this is only in a few circumstances. They can be used to treat acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. Mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine might be prescribed too. In some severe cases of , a tooth might need to be removed. Before you have any surgery, your dentist, or periodontist will discuss it with you. You might have antibiotics afterward to keep infection away.
Replacing Missing Teeth
If you lose any teeth through , you might want to explore your options for replacing them. There are several choices to explore that could work for you. You could choose to have a bridge, which involves putting a crown on the teeth either side of the artificial tooth. Another option is a denture, which can be removed. Dental implants are permanent and require surgery, but they are a great choice for high quality. If you read the AAOMS dental implant surgery white paper, you can learn about the benefits of dental implants and what they consist of. You should think carefully about your options to decide which are right for you.Gum disease can cause damage to your teeth if you don't treat it early. But, once it has been successfully treated, you can explore options for repairing any damage. For more information about or to schedule an appointment with the best dentist in Beverly Hills, please contact us.
