Periodontal Gum Disease Can Be Prevented With Treatment
Periodontal gum disease begins when plaque buildup in our mouths goes untreated. Unhealthy bacteria in the plaque begin to eat away at the tissues surrounding the teeth. If the mild form of gum disease, called gingivitis, goes untreated the gums will no longer be strong enough to hold the teeth in place, and tooth loss will occur. It is important to speak with your dentists at regularly to ensure you are doing everything you can to fight back. You are also at a greater risk for gum disease based on a variety of factors, including:
– Hormones: As hormones change in women and young girls, it increases the chances for gingivitis to develop, which can lead to more serious types of gum disease.
– Genetics: Genetics play a huge role in the development of gum disease. Genetics can make individuals up to six times more likely to have symptoms of the disease.
– Poor Diet: Lack of proper nutrition can increase your risk of gum disease.
– Diabetes: Diabetes increases the risk for many infectious diseases, including gum disease.
– Medications: Many medications produce a side effect of dry mouth symptoms. The lack of saliva in a person’s mouth makes them more susceptible to gum disease.
– Chewing Tobacco: Tobacco increases the risk of gum disease.
– Smoking: Smoking is considered by many dentists as one of the most significant risk factors for gum disease. Smoking also decreases treatment success rates.
Periodontal gum disease can be prevented with healthy oral hygiene habits. If you wish to come in for an oral exam, please make an appointment with Dr. Purvesh Malaviya by contacting our fantastic dental team at Creative Dental Group at 508-990-9900. You can also stop by our office in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Take the time to protect your teeth today!
Is my toothache a dental emergency? While not every toothache is considered a dental emergency, you’ll want to still visit our team just in case. This could sometimes be an indication that something is wrong with your smile. A toothache will qualify as an emergency if you experience the following:
Pain that interrupts your day, lasts for more than 24 hours, or wakes you up at night
You notice sharp discomfort when biting down or widening your mouth
The pained tooth appears darker than your other teeth
You see a small, pimple-like bump on your gums near the affected tooth
You notice signs of infections like swelling, fatigue, and fever
How you should handle a toothache: You should first give us a call so that we understand the situation and can schedule an appointment. Afterward, try flossing around the pained tooth to remove any bothersome debris. Rinse your mouth with saltwater to alleviate inflammation and fight off infection. Place a cold compress on the outside of your mouth to reduce discomfort and swelling. Take over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen. Avoid using aspirin directly on your gums or teeth.
How we treat toothaches: Your treatment will depend on the root cause of your toothache. If it’s due to periodontal infection, then we’ll likely provide gum disease therapy. If your discomfort is due to an infection, then we can perform a root canal to save your tooth. But if it’s beyond repair, then our team may consider extracting it to preserve your oral health. We’ll be sure to assess your situation and determine the best way to relieve your pain and save your smile.
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? Most chipped teeth don’t require immediate attention. However, you’ll still want to get it treated as soon as you can since a damaged tooth will be more vulnerable to future injury and infection later on.
How you should handle a chipped tooth: Try rinsing with warm water to clear out any tiny pieces of the tooth from your mouth. This way you can keep the area clean and bacteria-free. Avoid using the chipped tooth for biting or chewing anything. Feel free to cover it up with dental wax or sugarless gum if it feels sensitive.
How we treat chipped teeth: Although a chipped tooth may seem unsettling at first, it’s quite simple to treat. In most cases, we can easily repair and improve your condition with dental bonding. But if a front tooth is chipped and you’re worried about your appearance, you can consider getting veneers for a more comprehensive and longer-lasting solution.
Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? A cracked tooth is typically considered a dental emergency, as it will be more vulnerable to further damage, bacteria, and infection. However, if the injury is minor, then it may be able to wait a few days to get treated if necessary. That said, remember that very small cracks in your smile can be difficult to notice. If you experience any sensitivity or pain while chewing, especially after taking a blow to the face, then you might have a hidden crack that’ll require treatment.
How you should handle a cracked tooth: Firstly, gently rinse your mouth with water to remove any broken fragments of the tooth, clearing away bacteria in the process. Try covering up your tooth with dental wax or sugar-free gum if it feels sensitive. Keep away from chewing on that side of your mouth until you can see us.
How we treat cracked teeth: If the crack in your tooth is small, then we may be able to simply repair it with dental bonding. For more severe cracks, you may require protecting and strengthening it with a dental crown. In rare cases, a tooth that is beyond repair may need to be extracted and replaced altogether.
