Exploring Effective Treatment Options for Gum Disease

Are you experiencing bleeding gums, bad breath, or tooth sensitivity? These could be signs of gum disease, a common condition that affects people of all ages. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on teeth and gums. If left untreated, it can lead to serious oral health problems such as tooth loss and bone damage. In this article, we’ll explore effective treatment options for gum disease to help you maintain healthy gums and a beautiful smile!

What is gum disease? Causes and Symptoms

Gum disease is a common condition that affects the gums and tissues surrounding teeth. It’s caused by harmful bacteria that accumulate in the mouth, leading to inflammation and damage to the gums. The early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis, which can cause redness, swelling, bleeding gums during brushing or flossing, and bad breath.

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis which causes serious damage to your teeth and oral health. Periodontitis occurs when bacteria start attacking the bone structure supporting your teeth causing loose or shifting teeth.

Several factors increase your risk of developing gum disease such as poor oral hygiene habits including improper brushing and flossing techniques. Other factors include hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause, and smoking tobacco products like cigarettes or cigars among other reasons.

Regular dental check-ups with professional cleanings may reduce risks associated with gum diseases drastically.

What are the Different Types of treatments for gum disease

There are several different types of treatments available for gum disease, ranging from non-invasive options to more intensive procedures.

The first line of defense against gum disease is often a thorough cleaning by a dental hygienist or dentist. This process involves removing plaque and tartar buildup both above and below the gum line.

For those with mild cases of gingivitis, an antibacterial mouthwash may be recommended in addition to regular brushing and flossing. However, if the condition has progressed to periodontitis, more advanced treatment may be necessary.

Scaling and root planing is a common procedures used to treat periodontitis. This deep-cleaning method involves scraping away bacteria from beneath the gums while also smoothing out rough spots on tooth roots that can attract bacteria.

In severe cases where scaling and root planing do not improve the condition, surgical intervention may be required. Procedures such as flap surgery or bone grafts can help restore damaged tissue and promote healthy regeneration.

Ultimately, early detection and prevention are key when it comes to treating gum disease. Regular dental checkups coupled with good oral hygiene habits at home can go a long way in preventing this potentially serious condition from developing into something more severe.

Conclusion

Gum disease is a common oral health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It is essential to understand the causes and symptoms of gum disease, as well as the different treatment options available. Prevention is always better than cure for gum disease. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are crucial in maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing gum disease from occurring. However, if you do develop gum disease, there are various treatments available depending on the severity of your condition.

From non-surgical options such as professional cleaning or scaling and root planing to surgical interventions like flap surgery or bone grafts, there are many effective ways to treat gum disease. Your dentist will be able to advise you on which treatment option best suits your needs.


Healthy Gums, Healthy Smile: A Guide to Gum Disease Treatment

Welcome to our latest blog post! Are you tired of dealing with bleeding, swollen, and painful gums? Well, guess what? You’re not alone. Gum disease affects a vast majority of the population and can have severe consequences if left untreated. But don’t fret just yet – in this guide, we’ll be discussing everything you need to know about gum disease treatment. Trust us; healthy gums equal a beautiful smile, so let’s dive right in!

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a serious infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss. It is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Plaque produces toxins that damage the gums and bone around the teeth. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which is more difficult to remove. Gum disease can be prevented by daily brushing and flossing.

The Different Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common condition that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. It is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Plaque causes the gums to become inflamed and can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Gum disease is usually diagnosed in one of three stages: gingivitis, periodontitis, or advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is marked by deeper pockets of infection around the teeth. Advanced periodontitis is the most severe stage of gum disease and can lead to extensive damage to the gums, bones, and connective tissue supporting the teeth.

Fortunately, gum disease is highly treatable in its early stages. Regular brushing and flossing can help control plaque buildup and prevent gingivitis from progressing to more serious forms of gum disease. More advanced cases of gum disease may require professional cleaning or surgery to restore oral health.

Causes of Gum Disease

The most common cause of gum disease is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, it can turn into tartar (calculus), which is much harder to remove. As tartar builds up, it pushes the gums away from the teeth, causing pockets to form. These pockets fill with more plaque and become infected. The body’s natural response to this infection is inflammation, which leads to redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums.

Treatments for Gum Disease

The first step in treating gum disease is to remove the tartar and plaque from your teeth. This can be done by your dentist or hygienist through a process called scaling and root planing. Scaling involves using special instruments to remove tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing gets rid of plaque and roughness from the tooth’s roots, which helps prevent bacteria from re-entering the gum tissue.

If your gum disease is more severe, you may need to have surgery to clean out the infected areas. This procedure is called flap surgery, and it allows your dentist or periodontist to access the deep pockets around your teeth and remove the harmful bacteria. In some cases, you may also need to have bone or tissue grafts to help rebuild any damage that has been done by the gum disease.

After your treatment is complete, it is important to practice good oral hygiene habits at home and visit your dentist regularly for checkups. If you keep up with these healthy habits, you can help prevent gum disease from coming back.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a serious infection of the gums and bone that support your teeth. It is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which leads to gum disease.

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. But it can be prevented with good oral hygiene. Here are some tips for preventing gum disease:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • Use dental floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between your teeth once a day.
  • Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.
  • Quit smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease.

Conclusion

Taking proper care of your gums and teeth is an essential part of maintaining a healthy smile. Achieving good oral health can be easy with the right knowledge and habits. With this guide, you now have a better understanding of gum disease, its causes, treatments and preventive measures to keep it at bay. Regular dental visits are also recommended in order to spot any signs of gum problems early on before they become more serious issues. By following these tips, you will be sure to achieve strong gums that contribute towards a healthier smile!

FAQs

1. What is gum disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can progress to affect the bone supporting the teeth. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If not removed, plaque can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis causes the gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. Periodontitis damages the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth, and can eventually lead to tooth loss.

2. What are the symptoms of gum disease?

The early stage of gum disease, gingivitis, usually doesn’t cause any pain or other symptoms. That’s why it’s important to have regular dental checkups so your dentist can detect gingivitis before it progresses to periodontitis. Symptoms of periodontitis include:
– Red, swollen or tender gums
– Gums that bleed easily when you brush your teeth
– Receding gums – when your gum line starts to pull away from your teeth
– Persistent bad breath or taste in mouth
– Loose or shifting teeth
– Pus coming from around your teeth or bleeding when you floss


Gum Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Gum disease is a serious and often overlooked oral health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s caused by bacteria in the mouth, and if left untreated can cause permanent damage to gums, teeth, and other tissues in the mouth. But gum disease doesn’t have to mean a life of pain and discomfort. With proper care and prevention techniques, you can keep your teeth healthy and strong for years to come. In this blog post, we will explore the causes of gum disease, its symptoms, and what treatment options are available. Ready to start learning? Read on!

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a serious infection of the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place. It’s usually caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed with professional cleaning.

If gum disease isn’t treated, it can destroy the gums and bone around your teeth, causing your teeth to eventually fall out. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults over age 35. It’s also been linked to other serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

The good news is that gum disease is preventable and treatable. Regular brushing and flossing helps remove plaque before it turns into tartar. Professional cleanings (dental scaling and root planing) are also important in preventing and treating gum disease. If you already have gum disease, there are treatments available to help control the infection and stop the progression of the disease.

Causes of Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and bones that support the teeth. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. Plaque begins to form on teeth within minutes after eating or drinking. If not removed, plaque can harden and turn into tartar (calculus). Once tartar forms, it can only be removed with professional cleaning.

If plaque and tartar are not removed, they will continue to irritate the gums, causing them to become inflamed. This is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is reversible with good oral hygiene. However, if plaque and tartar are not removed, gingivitis will progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a serious infection that damages the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. Periodontitis is not reversible, but it can be controlled with proper treatment.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms. Early symptoms may include bleeding gums, bad breath, and receding gums. If left untreated, gum disease can progress to more serious conditions, such as periodontitis and tooth loss.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to see a dentist or oral health care professional as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose your condition and recommend the best treatment options for you.

Treatment Options for Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common condition that can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems. There are two main types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. It is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Plaque can irritate your gums, making them red, swollen, and more likely to bleed when you brush or floss. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which is harder to remove.

Periodontitis is the more advanced stage of gum disease. It occurs when the gums are inflamed and begin to pull away from the teeth. This creates pockets of space between the teeth and gums where bacteria can grow. As the disease progresses, the bones and connective tissue that support your teeth can be destroyed.

There are several treatment options available for gum disease. The type of treatment will depend on the severity of the condition.

Conclusion

Good dental hygiene is important to maintain a healthy mouth and minimize the risk of gum disease. The most common cause of gum disease is poor oral health habits, but some people may be more prone to the condition due to genetics or other medical conditions. Knowing the signs and symptoms can help you diagnose gum disease early on and start treatment right away. Following your dentist’s instructions for brushing, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash can help reduce your chance of developing gum disease in the future.

  1. What is gum disease?
    Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can progress to affect the bone supporting the teeth. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth, and if not removed, can harden into tartar. Tartar buildup can lead to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and eventually destruction of the tissues and bone supporting the teeth (periodontitis).2. What are the symptoms of gum disease?
    The early stage of gum disease, gingivitis, may not cause any symptoms. As gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, you may experience bleeding gums when brushing or flossing, receding gums, bad breath, or a loose tooth.

    3. How is gum disease treated?
    Gingivitis can often be reversed with a professional cleaning and good at-home oral hygiene. More advanced cases of gum disease may require additional treatments, such as scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning), antibiotics, or surgery.


Gum Disease: Stages, Prevention, And Treatment

If you have swollen, red, tender, or receding gums, you may be suffering from gum disease. If left untreated, the bacteria will grow in your mouth and cause tooth loss or destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth. Following is a complete guide to gum disease, i.e., the stages, prevention, and treatment. 

The Five Stages Of Gum Disease

There are five stages of gum disease. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It then moves from slight periodontal disease to moderate periodontal disease, to severe stage of periodontitis and ultimately advanced periodontal disease.

1. Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the easiest to treat and doesn’t cause much harm to your gums. It only affects the gingiva, i.e., the party that surrounds the base of the teeth. At this stage, your gum will bleed.

Gingivitis symptoms are easy to ignore as it is usually painless. Very often people assume their gums are bleeding because of brushing too hard. However, bleeding gums are a warning sign and should not be ignored.

Gingivitis is the only stage that can be reversed. If you maintain good oral hygiene, visit the dentist for regular check-ups, and cleanings, it will prevent gingivitis from progressing further. Your periodontist can help you with your gum disease treatment in Reno, NV, which will ensure you have completely healthy gums.

2. Slight Periodontal Disease

In the early stage of gingivitis, gum inflammation can occur within five days. If you don’t treat the signs of generalized gingivitis, it will become more noticeable. You still won’t face pain or any other symptoms at this stage, but there will still be bleeding, and your gums will be more inflamed. Once gum disease reaches this stage, it cannot be reversed, but it can be managed with the help of a periodontist and dental team in Reno, NV

3. Moderate Periodontal Disease

At this stage, your gums will start to recede and create tiny pockets between your teeth and affected gums. This can cause plaque of harmful bacteria to invade these spaces causing more bleeding. In the initial stages, there is minimal damage, and it is almost undetectable. Moderate periodontitis is more obvious as there is more damage, which is also permanent.

4. Severe Stage Of Periodontitis

In the severe stage of periodontitis, as more tissues die, your teeth will get loose. The surrounding teeth and the bone will start to deteriorate. Here you have the very real possibility of losing teeth.

If your gum disease has reached this stage, you still might not experience pain. However, there are a few symptoms that you might notice. A few are as follows:

  • Bad breath
  • Bad taste
  • Receding gums
  • Loose or moving teeth
  • Change in the bite or soreness
  • Swellings or abscess

In this stage, the only option for treatment is surgery with a mix of other options, based on the extent of damage/

5. Advanced Periodontal Disease

This is the worst stage of gum disease. It can cause irreversible damage to your overall health. It can also cause damage to the connected bones, and you can even lose all your teeth. There will be significant drifting and splaying of the front teeth, with gaps forming in between. It is absolutely necessary to get treatment at this stage. 

Advanced periodontal disease can lead to several serious health problems such as diabetes or a heart attack. This cannot be reversed, but it can be managed with the help of the periodontist in Reno, NV, and other qualified professionals who will stabilize the disease.

How To Prevent Gum Disease?

1. Brush And Floss

Brush twice daily and floss once every day to ensure there’s no plaque build-up or food stuck between your teeth. You should use a toothbrush with soft bristles and replace the brush after every few weeks

2. Use Fluoride Toothpaste & Mouthwash

To make sure gingivitis doesn’t progress, use a good toothpaste that contains fluoride in it to ensure proper cleaning. You can even use a mouthwash to prevent or reduce gingivitis and slow down plaque and tartar build-up. It removes food particles stuck in your teeth and eliminates debris from your mouth.

3. Get Regular Dental Cleanings & Checkups

The symptoms or signs of gum disease are often undetectable until the situation gets worse. Therefore, you need to visit a good periodontist in Reno who is qualified to diagnose and treat your gum disease. You should visit the dentist regularly once every six months for a dental checkup to ensure there are no hidden dental issues. If you have gingivitis brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings will help to treat your gum disease.

4. Quit Smoking

If you smoke, you are most likely susceptible to get gum disease. Smoking can make your immune system weak, which makes it difficult to fight bacteria and infections.

What Are The Treatments For Gum Disease?

The best way to get rid of the gum disease is to go to your dentist who examines the extent of the damage and provides you with the appropriate treatment option.

1. Deep Cleaning

You can get a proper deep cleaning to remove all the plaque and tartar build-up accumulated in tough-to-reach spots. This will treat gingivitis and slight periodontal disease and ensure healthy gums.

2. Laser Gum Surgery 

Lasers are tubes that use light beams of thermal energy to perform multiple tasks during gum surgery. A few are as follows:

  • Remove diseased tissue
  • Coagulate blood vessels and form solid clots
  • Eliminate germs and bacteria
  • Sterilize the affected area

Gum Disease Treatment In Reno, NV

If you are suffering from tender, swollen, or receding gums, visit our dental office immediately to ensure safe and healthy gums. Our experts at The Reno Dentist will make sure you get the required care to treat your issues effectively. Contact us today to know more about periodontitis or schedule your free appointment with the best periodontist in Reno, NV.


Preventing Gum Disease At The Reno Dentist

Preventing Gum Disease at The Reno Dentist

This message from The Reno Dentist in Reno NV is about gum disease, and how you can prevent it.

Run your tongue along the gumline behind your lower front teeth. Do you feel a ridge? This is probably tartar, which is hardened plaque.

Even if you brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can accumulate. If not removed, these bacteria-breeding substances cause the gums to become irritated and swollen. Eventually, the gums become detached from the tooth, creating a pocket. This creates new space for plaque for grow. In advanced stages of gum disease, the toxins created by the bacteria literally rot the gum, teeth and bone.

So what can you do to prevent this from happening? The answer is two-fold:

  • First, brush and floss your teeth daily. Twice a day is best.
  • Get regular cleanings and check-ups.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV, we have treated gum disease in patients from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City. People also come to us for complete general and family dentistry, and all their dental care needs. Call for an appointment today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

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9 Tips For Preventing Gum Disease

prevent gum disease Reno

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. But it is a preventable disease, and also treatable, at The Reno Dentist in Reno NV.

Here are some simple ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

  1. Brush your teeth for two to three minutes, at least twice a day, with fluoridated toothpaste. Be sure to brush along the gumline. Don’t brush too hard, but be thorough.
  2. Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. Don’t like to floss? Try a floss holder, which makes it much simpler to insert floss between teeth.
  3. Although not a substitute for brushing and flossing, using a mouth rinse can prevent plaque accumulation and keep your enamel strong. Remember that fluoride mouth rinses are not the same as mouthwashes. Mouthwashes have alcohol and are designed to freshen breath.
  4. Eat a healthy diet. Starchy and sugary foods increase plaque. A sensible diet provides the nutrients necessary (Vitamins A and C, in particular) to keep teeth and gums healthy.
  5. Don’t smoke, or use smokeless tobacco, which may bring about advanced gum disease or oral cancer. That includes e-cigarettes.
  6. Be aware that certain medications can also threaten a healthy smile. These include oral contraceptives, antidepressants and heart medicines.
  7. Exercise prevention and schedule regular evaluations — the best way to detect early signs of gum disease and make a plan to reverse it.
  8. Talk to us about dental health topics such as old, broken fillings or crowded teeth.
  9. If you grind your teeth, ask us about ways to protect them.

Prevention is always the best medicine, so brush and floss your teeth twice a day. At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV we treat gum disease, and people from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City also come to us for cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

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Periodontal Disease Is Linked To Systemic Diseases

gum disease treatment Reno

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Nearly half of Americans over the age of thirty have gum disease in some form. Fortunately, it’s a treatable condition at The Reno Dentist in Reno  NV.

What do your gums do?

Gum tissue has an important job. It protects the roots of your teeth and provides a barrier for the connective tissues and ligaments that hold your teeth in their sockets. It also protects the alveolar bone in which your teeth are anchored.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is inflammation and infection of this soft tissue. It starts with inflammation. Gums become swollen and tender. Early stage gum disease is called gingivitis. If it progresses, the gums pull away from the teeth, developing pockets. This more severe condition is called periodontitis or periodontal disease.

Signs of gum disease include:

  • Swollen gums
  • Receding gums
  • A change in the color of gums
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Changes in your bite

As serious as gum disease is on its own, it also puts you at risk of conditions like heart disease. The good news is that gum disease is 100% preventable with regular brushing and flossing, and dental checkups.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno  NV we treat gum disease. Patients from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City also come to us for complete general and family dentistry. Please call to schedule your next checkup today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

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5 Critical Things To Know About Periodontal Disease

gum disease exam Reno

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is inflammation or infection of the gums. For the most part, periodontal disease is preventable. It is also treatable, at The Reno Dentist in Reno NV.

Gum disease is so pervasive in the US that it has been called a health crisis by the American Dental Association.

  1. If left untreated, it can cause irreversible damage such as tooth loss.
  2. Practicing daily dental hygiene and having 6-month dental exams are the best way to prevent periodontal disease.
  3. Periodontal disease can occur without the presence of decay.
  4. Almost half of all 30+ adults in the US have periodontal disease.
  5. In some cases, periodontal disease generates no noticeable symptoms.

Risk factors for periodontal disease include tobacco use, poor oral hygiene (especially failing to floss), genetics, teeth grinding, inflammatory conditions, and poor nutrition.

There may be no better example of prevention being the best medicine. With regular brushing and flossing, and checkups at The Reno Dentist in Reno NV, you can prevent gum disease. Our services include general and family dentistry. Call to schedule a checkup with us today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):


855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

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Flossing For Health And Happiness

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Most Reno men and women know that flossing is an important part of oral health. The value of this simple yet important exercise in oral hygiene has been shown time and time again.

Flossing offers a chance to remove bits and pieces that a toothbrush will undoubtedly miss. Being afraid of the ‘cavity bugs,’ ‘mouth germies,’ or the ‘dental bogeyman’ may still not compel Reno folks to floss regularly.

The fear of gingivitis and gum disease or crowns and fillings from cavities work for a week or so after cleaning but may not instill a lasting habit between teeth cleanings.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno, we encourage our dental patients to look at flossing as an opportunity to start fresh. Just as showering and dressing for the day. It’s a way to increase motivation and include flossing into your established routine.

Flossing can be a positive opportunity to remind yourself to smile and feel happy as you approach your day. Flossing could be a time to think about the foods you are putting into your mouth and consider what improvements could be made to your diet.

Living in health-conscious communities such as Spanish Springs, Virginia City, or Carson City can also help motivate you to floss regularly. The fresh air you breathe on a short walk will feel smooth as you run your tongue along the ridges of your teeth near the gums.

It doesn’t have to be about fear! Call us at 775-323-0700 The knowledgeable dental staff at The Reno Dentist knows that flossing can be a concern for their Reno dental patients and a brightened patient is always better than a frightened one. At The Reno Dentist, we offer many ways to enhance your smile and self-confidence. Make a cosmetic dental appointment today to consider whether root canals can lighten your look, wisdom teeth extraction can influence your flair, and Invisalign or porcelain veneers can ease your anxiety. We aim to make it a wonderful experience!

 

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

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Do Kids Get Periodontal Disease?

kids gum disease treatment Reno

Most Reno parents are concerned about cavities. And rightly so. Tooth decay in children is a serious and widespread health condition.

What about kids’ gum disease? Are children at risk for an oral ailment that is common in the adult population?

Short answer: yes.

Let’s discuss it.

Children and teens are at risk of gum disease and the more advanced form called periodontal disease.

What causes gingivitis and periodontal disease?

Gum disease (gingivitis) and periodontal disease are caused by plaque buildup.

Food particles mixed with saliva generate a sticky film called plaque. Plaque creates bacteria. If it is not removed regularly with brushing and flossing, the bacteria multiply. The plaque builds up on the teeth.

The gums respond to the bacteria by becoming sore and inflamed. Plaque buildup hardens into calculus. Calculus cannot be removed by a toothbrush or dental floss. Calculus can be removed during a professional dental cleaning.

The American Academy of Periodontology recognizes three kinds of gum disease in children and adolescents:

  1. Chronic gingivitis
  2. Aggressive periodontitis
  3. Generalized aggressive periodontitis

Chronic gingivitis

This is the most frequent type of gum disease in children. The gums swell, turn red and may bleed. Gingivitis is usually caused by poor dental hygiene. Proper oral hygiene includes daily brushing and flossing.

Gingivitis can be prevented or reversed with daily oral hygiene and a healthy lifestyle. If the child doesn’t practice proper dental hygiene, however, the condition can become more severe.

Aggressive periodontitis

Aggressive periodontitis results in bone loss. It may affect only the first molars and incisors. It rarely occurs before puberty. Surprisingly, children with this variety of disease may have minimal plaque or calculus.

Generalized aggressive periodontitis

This type, though less typical, is most likely to occur at the onset of puberty. It may be present throughout the entire mouth. It results in severe gum inflammation. There are significant amounts of plaque and calculus.

If left untreated, the bone loss becomes so extreme the teeth become loose. Then the child is at risk of tooth loss.

4 key findings of gum and periodontal disease in children:

  1. Children and teens who are generally healthy can have gum disease.
  2. Hormonal fluctuation that transpires with puberty boosts the risk of periodontal disease. Researchers believe hormonal changes shrink the ability of the immune system to fight the bacteria in dental plaque.
  3. Epidemiologic studies indicate that gum disease of varying severity is nearly universal in children and adolescents.
  4. Periodontal disease is more likely to occur in youth ages 12-17 than those younger than 12.

Signs of periodontal disease:

  • Swollen, tender gums
  • Gums that bleed easily
  • Gum recession
  • Bad breath
  • Unusually large spaces between teeth
  • Pus between the gums and teeth
  • Changes in bite alignment

At The Reno Dentist, we treat all pediatric oral conditions including gingivitis and periodontal disease. Twice-yearly dental cleanings and examinations are important. If you are looking for an experienced, friendly pediatric dentist, we invite you to call us today and schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you and your child!

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=90&contentid=p01865

https://www.aapd.org/research/oral-health-policies–recommendations/periodontal-diseases-of-children-and-adolescents/

 

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

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