When you look inside your mouth you see your teeth, gums, tongue, and the inside of your cheeks. However, there’s a lot more that isn’t visible to the untrained or unassisted eye. Your mouth is full of bacteria, mucus, plaque, and other microscopic organisms. Covington, GA patients learn at an early age that brushing and flossing will minimize the bacteria and plaque; however, there are areas of the mouth that are impossible to reach without a professional cleaning.
When most patients think about brushing and flossing, their concern is for tooth decay. Gum disease is another important concern and a condition that is common in adult dental patients.
There are several stages of gum disease.
- Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease in which the gums are swollen, red, or bleed. If gingivitis is not treated it can cause further inflammation, leading to the gums pulling away from the teeth and forming pockets, which become infected.
- Periodontitis is a further progression of the gum disease infection that causes a breakdown of the gums, bone, and tissue that support the teeth. This can lead to the teeth becoming loose or needing to be extracted.
Gum disease is preventable and simple to treat, if caught early. It can be controlled with proper brushing and flossing which prevent the plaque and bacteria from settling into the teeth and under the gums. It is also important to maintain a regular schedule of dental checkups for a professional cleaning by a hygienist.
If you have gum disease, your dentist can treat it several ways. Dr. Venitress Carrington of Smile Creations in Covington, GA, offers several options for treating gum disease including deep cleaning, medications, and surgery. The method of treatment depends on the case. For more information about gum disease, call Smile Creations today.
