Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a serious issue that not only affects the mouth but the entire body. While gum disease takes on several forms, gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease and is also the mildest. Symptoms of gingivitis include red or swollen gums that bleed easily. These initial symptoms of gum disease can often be treated through deep cleanings at Washington Center for Dentistry, along with a more rigorous at-home routine. The dentists are also equipped to treat periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease.
Left untreated, periodontitis can result in tooth loss, as well as necrosis of bone in the jaw. This form of gum disease has also been shown to be a risk factor for heart disease, hypertension, respiratory problems, dementia, and complications with both pregnancy and diabetes.
Symptoms Of Gum Disease
Gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease. It is also the mildest. Symptoms of gingivitis include red or swollen gums that bleed easily. These initial symptoms of gum disease can often be treated through deep cleanings at our Washington, DC dental office along with a more rigorous at-home routine. When left untreated, gingivitis can quickly advance to periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease that may produce symptoms such as:
- A persistent bad taste in the mouth
- Chronic bad breath
- Gum separation from the tooth
- Pus in between teeth
- Loose teeth
- Changes to bite strength and tension
- Oral pain
Treating periodontitis may require advanced dentistry services. Our general dentists will assess your periodontal issues and provide the treatments best suited to restore optimal oral health.
Effective treatment relies heavily on swift intervention. Avoiding gum disease can often be accomplished by maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as brushing after every meal and snack, flossing at least once a day, and visiting Washington Center for Dentistry for dental cleanings and examinations every six months. A healthy mouth means a healthy patient.
Loose Teeth
It is a fact in dentistry that healthy teeth do not get loose. Loose teeth can be caused by advancing gum disease, damaged bone and gum tissue, inadequate support structure, or non-dental health issues. If a patient has loose teeth or some that are starting to shift, he or she should meet with a dentist at Washington Center for Dentistry. They can provide options to replace loose teeth, even teeth that appear beyond saving. An evaluation will determine whether or not gum disease or other health problems are causing tooth loss or destructive bone damage. The smallest shifting of teeth could be an indication of an underlying health problem or oral health condition that needs to be treated.
Causes Of Loose Teeth
- It could be the result of advancing gum disease.
- Advanced periodontal disease left untreated can destroy gum tissue and the bone holding teeth in place.
- Bone and gum tissue around the teeth are damaged.
- Teeth without enough support structure begin to get loose and eventually fall out or the dentist extracts them.
- Sometimes loose teeth are the result of another non-dental health problem.