About Gum Treatment

Oral health is an important part of overall health and neglecting your teeth and gums can lead to bigger health problems over time. The good news is there are ways to prevent, and in some cases reverse, the damage that poor oral hygiene can cause. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and regularly seeing a dentist are all ways to maintain a healthy mouth.

But what happens when teeth and gums become unhealthy? If not treated, an unhealthy mouth can lead to gum recession or gum disease such as gingivitis, periodontitis. Cavities and advanced tooth decay are also likely due to hardened plaque and tartar. The longer you wait for treatment, the higher the likelihood you may experience gum recession, and tooth loosening or loss.

The good news is that treatment and prevention can improve and restore your oral health. And, if you have already experienced issues with your gums, a procedure with Emdogain may be the solution to get you smiling again.

About Gum Disease

Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss and can occur when bacteria is not removed from under the gum line and then builds up over time. If the bacteria is not removed by typical at-home care such as brushing and flossing, it can begin to form plaque, a sticky and destructive substance that forms on our teeth. If left untreated, plaque turns into a harder substance called calculus, which can eat away at your gums and bone, causing loose, and ultimately lost teeth. 

There are two levels of gum disease that can affect the gums: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis, characterised by red and irritated or bloody gums, is the milder form of gum disease. Without proper treatment it can lead to the more serious periodontitis, which is defined as inflammation and infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets. 

Both types of gum diseases are fairly common among adults in the United States and both generally can be reversed, or their symptoms lessened, with effective care consisting of professional cleaning at your dental office followed by daily brushing and flossing.

About Gum Recession

Gum recession happens when the surface of the gums that surrounds your teeth becomes unhealthy and begins to pull away from your teeth. Left untreated, it can expose more of your teeth than is welcome, and eventually expose the roots. When gums recede, they form gaps or “pockets” that make it easier for food and bacterial to build up, leading to gingivitis and periodontitis. In severe cases, the jaw bone and other facial structures can become damaged, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss.

Gum recession is a common problem and usually begins slowly. Although some degree of gum recession is quite common, especially as a patient ages, advanced situations allow the teeth to become more susceptible to decay and damage. With proper professional care and diligent at-home care, gum recession can be treated and in some cases, reversed.