Dentalgreat

Gum disease can be serious if left untreated

Toothaches provide most people with enough discomfort to stop them from going about their daily routine. There are a couple of causes of toothache, and one of which is gum disease.

Gingivitis is one gum disease wherein the gums become inflamed. This happens when there is buildup in the bacteria in plaque; the bacteria collect in the spaces between the teeth and the gums. When the bacteria build up over the years, then pockets form between the teeth and gums, and the gums pull away from the teeth. This then leads to periodontitis.

To tell if one has gum disease, a person may observe that he or she has mouth sores, shiny gums, or swollen gums. The gums may also be purple or bright red. A person with gum disease may have a bad taste in his or her mouth, or even bad breath. When brushing or flossing, the gums may bleed easily. In time, the gums recede, and the tooth is loosened when the tissue holding the teeth is weak. If the condition worsens, tooth loss may occur.

When oral hygiene is neglected, gum disease starts, thus leading to a bad toothache. When a person does not brush and floss regularly or properly, then there is a greater chance for gum disease to start. A person who has an illness associated with a weak immune system is also at great risk for gum disease, because developing infections become more likely. Another factor that may lead to the onset of gum disease is hormonal change. Someone who undergoes hormonal changes is at risk for gum disease, since the gums are more sensitive.

A person with gum disease must have the situation addressed immediately to prevent serious problems in the future. To treat gum disease, the dentist will remove the plaque and tartar along the gumline. Each tooth is cleaned thoroughly by the dentist in order to get rid of the buildup that causes bleeding. Prophylaxes are usually done twice a year, but some patients require more frequent cleaning. Patients with gingivitis may need more two cleanings in a year. The same goes for patients with dental appliances like braces; since the braces trap more food particles, they need more frequent prophylaxes.

In more serious cases wherein the dentist observes that the gums have receded, or there has been some bone loss, then the dentist may opt to perform a deep-cleaning and non-invasive method. This method is called scaling and root planing (SRP); through this, plaque and tartar are scraped off. Rough areas on the tooth are smoothened out, thus lessening the possibility that bacteria will collect on the toothache's surface. The gums are able to reattach to the teeth because of the smooth surface.
A drug, which stops the action of enzymes that destruct the teeth and gums, also can help someone with gum disease. Doxycycline hyclate is prescribed to patients who undergo SRP.

Good oral hygiene always helps to prevent gum diseases that cause toothaches. Brushing and flossing regularly are only simple tasks with great benefits. Using a good toothpaste with flouride also helps big time.