Gum disease is a common condition. In fact, it afflicts roughly half of the adults in the United States. While many people believe gum disease is not a big deal, it can have devastating long-term consequences if it remains untreated. The team at New Haven Dental Group is here to help you manage this condition so you can enjoy improved oral and overall health.
Gum disease, which is otherwise known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gum tissue. Gingivitis is the milder form of gum disease. It has symptoms like red, swollen gums, gums that bleed during brushing, and bad breath. If gingivitis worsens, it develops into periodontitis, the advanced form of gum disease. Periodontitis is characterized by irreversible damage to the gums and the bones that supports the teeth. It may cause the teeth to become loose or even fall out altogether.
In addition to wrecking an individual’s oral health, gum disease can also have systemic health consequences. Various studies have found a link between it and heart disease, stroke, dementia, and other serious conditions.
There are a few different ways to treat gum disease, including:
In rare cases, a patient requires more extensive treatment. If that is true of you, we will create a custom treatment plan and let you know what to expect on the road ahead of you.
Treating gum disease comes with numerous benefits, including:
How much it costs to treat your gum disease will depend on how far your condition has progressed. During your consultation, we will give you an estimate for the price of your treatment. In many cases, dental insurance is willing to pay at least a portion of the cost of gum disease therapy. We can also help you to apply for low-interest financing through CareCredit if necessary.
Gum disease is among the most common oral health conditions among adults in the U.S. According to some estimates, up to half of the population over age 30 has some form of it!
Of course, it is more prevalent among certain groups than others. For example, it tends to become more common with age, with around 60% of adults over age 65 being afflicted by it. It also tends to be more common in biological men, individuals who smoke, those with uncontrolled diabetes, and those with poor oral hygiene habits or a non-nutrient-dense diet.
Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, is reversible in most cases with proper gum disease treatment from our New Haven team. A combination of thorough home care, including diligent oral hygiene, and professional attention can get rid of the infection and allow the affected tissues to heal without any long-term damage.
However, if gum disease remains untreated for long enough, it can progress to periodontitis. This iteration of the condition is characterized by irreversible damage to the gums and underlying bone structure. Our team can still help to get rid of harmful bacteria and eliminate active areas of infection. Keep in mind, though, that we generally refer to this as “managing” gum disease rather than curing it. You will need to keep up with diligent care to prevent future flare-ups.
Yes, there is a strong and undeniable relationship between gum disease and systemic health. For example, it is strongly correlated with heart disease, stroke, heart attack, diabetes, dementia, and preterm birth.
This connection may exist because the bacteria that cause gum disease can sneak into the bloodstream and increase the body’s burden of inflammation. Gum disease also has risk factors in common with many other health conditions, including a poor diet and increasing age.
While some people naturally have a greater risk of developing gum disease than others, it is preventable in most cases. One of the most valuable things you can do is maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine. Brush twice a day, and be sure to clean the area along your gumline. Daily flossing is also important. If you have questions or concerns about your oral hygiene routine, ask our team for assistance. We can recommend specific products and techniques to help you stick to good habits.
A balanced diet that supports your immune system can also be helpful. Vitamins D and C can do much to lower the risk of oral infections.
Mouthwash should never replace other parts of your oral hygiene routine, but it may act as a valuable addition. Ask our team for specific product recommendations. Some mouth rinses are specifically formulated to support gum health. Be wary of products with alcohol, since they can dry out your mouth and might actually lead to additional bacterial growth.
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