Your gums are very important for your oral and overall health. Yes, they do help to cover and protect the jaw bone that holds your teeth, but they also help to protect your mouth and your body from bacteria that can damage your general and oral health.
The symptoms of gum disease can include bad breath as well as gums that bleed when you brush and floss your teeth. Healthy gums are generally pink in color, but may also have some pigmentation if you are a person of color. If you have gum disease, your gums may be bright red or even blue in places depending on the severity and length of time the disease has been present. You may also notice loose teeth and, or, that your gums have started to recede. If left untreated, you can actually lose your teeth, due to the deterioration of your jaw bone caused by the bacteria that is released from the plaque causing the disease. There is also evidence that gum disease can contribute to respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues, and prostate problems. If you have diabetes, gum disease can also cause general health complications and make your gum symptoms even worse. Smoking has also been found to contribute to gum disease, not only from the actual smoke inhaled but also through the cancerous tar that is left behind on the teeth that are releasing toxins into the gums.
Depending on the severity of your condition, Dr. Calvin L. Garland may recommend something as simple as stepping up your brushing and flossing routine. If applicable, he may also suggest that you may need to quit smoking and improve your diet. For more advanced cases, Dr. Garland would recommend a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. This procedure removes the plaque and tartar from your teeth, above and below the gum line, and also cleans and smooths the roots so that the gums can form a more healthy attachment to the jawbone. Medication may also be recommended in addition to the deep cleaning. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Ultimately, whatever route is taken to address and arrest the disease process, it is up to you to be diligent with your recommended home care regimen.
If you are noticing the symptoms of gum disease, you will want to contact our office for periodontal treatment in Sacramento, California. If you would like to make an appointment at RiverLake Family Dental, just call us at 916-422-1823 today, and we’ll be more than happy to schedule you for an exam and to discuss your treatment options.