Gingivitis

5 Signs of Gum Disease and How to Treat It

December 20th, 2018

Periodontal disease – more well known as gum disease – affects nearly half of Americans every year. Here’s some common signs of gum disease, and what to do if your child contracts periodontal disease.

5 Signs of Gum Disease 

1 – Bleeding gums that regularly occur during or after brushing.  

2 – Gum discoloration. Healthy gums are pink and firm, not red puffy and tender. 

3 – Gums receding or pulling away from the teeth. 

4 – Consistent bad breath that won’t go away. 

5 – Loose teeth that are not caused by impact or any other force.

Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis 

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. Gingivitis is caused by excessive plaque buildup. If plaque is not removed, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, which causes gums to become red and puffy, and easily bleed.

Periodontitis is more serious than gingivitis and occurs when gingivitis is left untreated. Periodontitis is typically characterized by gum inflammation and recession and it typically progresses slowly, but rapid periods of progression can occur.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease is mostly caused by poor oral hygiene, which can lead to gingivitis. Other common causes are diabetes, use of certain medications, tobacco use, a poor diet, and genetic predisposition. However, most gum disease begins as simple gingivitis, which can be easily treated and prevented.

How to Prevent Gum Disease 

Gum disease can be prevented by maintaining a healthy oral routine – brushing twice per day for two minutes at a time and flossing once per day. You can also fight gum disease by visiting your dentist once or twice per year for a routine oral checkup and maintaining a healthier diet.

It’s Best to Treat Gum Disease Early 

Gum disease is best dealt with in its early stages making early diagnosis vital for successful treatment. Gum disease is also very nuanced and should be diagnosed by an oral health professional like a dentist or periodontist. Schedule an appointment with our office so that we can evaluate your child’s oral health, and provide them with a treatment plan that will help combat gum disease 

Why Does My Child have Bleeding Gums?

December 14th, 2017

Does your child have sensitive gums that bleed when they brush or floss? if they do, then they may have some form of periodontal (gum) disease. But, never fear: gum disease can be diagnosed and treated by a pediatric dentist. Here’s the quick rundown of periodontal disease, sometimes called gum disease.

The Basics of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease manifests in a variety of ways. It occurs when plaque spreads below the gum line and irritates the gums. If periodontal disease is left untreated, then tissues and bone that hold teeth can be destroyed, resulting in tooth and bone loss. But that is only found in the most serious cases.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is mostly caused by poor oral hygiene, which can lead to gingivitis. Other common causes are diabetes, use of certain medications, a poor diet, and genetic predisposition.  

But, most periodontal disease begins as simple gingivitis, which can be easily treated and prevented. 

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the most mild form of periodontal disease. It causes gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. If plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, which causes gums to become red and puffy, and easily bleed. There is normally little or no discomfort associated with gingivitis, however, bleeding while brushing is quite common.

Gingivitis can lead to a variety of outcomes, such as gums that are recede away from the teeth, and chronic bad breath. More serious progressions can lead to tooth, gum and bone loss.

Preventing Periodontal Disease 

Like cavities, periodontal disease can be prevented by maintaining a healthy oral routine, which includes brushing twice per day for two minutes at a time, and flossing once per day. You can help your child prevent periodontal disease by visiting their dentist once or twice per year for a routine oral checkup, and helping them maintain a healthier routine. 

Detect Periodontal Disease Early

Luckily, a dentist or pediatric dentist can treat and completely reverse the effects of periodontal disease. As with most ailments, periodontal disease is best dealt with in its early stages, which makes an early diagnosis vital for successful treatment.  

Schedule an appointment with our office so that we can evaluate your child’s oral health, and provide you with a treatment plan that will help you combat periodontal disease.