Gum Disease Therapy
Salem, OR
 Taking steps to keep your mouth healthy is essential to prevent serious oral health issues like gum disease. Caring for your mouth involves several steps – brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and dental visits at least twice a year for professional cleanings and exams. Ignoring these critical steps, or continually missing the same spots when you do brush and floss can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria, which can then lead to gum disease. This condition is a progressive oral health issue and only continues to get worse as time goes on. At Fairmount Dental Center, we can diagnose your gum disease and provide you with the appropriate treatments to restore the health of your mouth. We can also help you to prevent gum disease from reoccurring.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is caused by an excess buildup of plaque (a sticky film that builds up on your teeth) and oral bacteria. Both irritate your gum tissue, triggering your immune system to send out an inflammatory response. As a result, your gums swell, and they may bleed when you brush and floss. Swollen gums begin to pull away from your teeth, creating pockets. Bacteria fall into these pockets and begin attacking your periodontal ligaments and your jawbone while continuing to attack your gum tissue. As the condition worsens, your gums recede, your teeth become loose, and they may even fall out. Bacteria can also potentially enter your bloodstream, which can cause serious health issues.
Causes of Gum Disease
There are several causes of gum disease:
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Poor oral hygiene. Ignoring your brushing and flossing routine, and your regular dental visits can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria.
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Smoking. Cigarettes and other tobacco products restrict the oxygen content in your blood and slow your blood flow. This can slow your ability to fight off the bacteria that attack your gums.
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Alcohol. Drinking can lead to dry mouth, which creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth.
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Certain medications. Some medications can also lead to dry mouth, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.
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Nutritional deficiencies. Your gums require nutrients to stay healthy and fight bacteria. Two important vitamins for gum health include Vitamins C and B12.
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Misaligned teeth. Crooked teeth are more difficult to keep clean, and there are more hiding spaces for oral bacteria. |
Symptoms of Gum Disease
There are a multitude of symptoms that can indicate gum disease:
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Red, swollen gums (which may bleed when you brush or floss).
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Bad breath that does not let up, even when you brush, use mouthwash or chew gum. It is caused by bacteria and food particles trapped below the gum line.
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Gum recession.
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Tooth sensitivity.
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Loose teeth, which may move out of proper alignment (throwing off your natural bite).
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Missing teeth. |
Treating Gum Disease
Treatments for gum disease vary based on the severity of your condition. Common treatments include:
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Scaling and root planing. This is a deep cleaning of your teeth, focusing on removing plaque, tartar (hardened plaque), bacteria and other debris from around the gum line and along the roots of your teeth.
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Laser treatment. If your gums are too swollen to perform an effective scaling and root planing, a laser may be used to remove the infected gum tissue.
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Pocket reduction surgery. When your periodontal pockets are too deep, pocket reduction surgery allows us to thoroughly clean your teeth so that your gums can begin to heal.
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Gum grafts, which are used to restore a natural gum line in the event of gum recession.
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Bone grafts, which restore the strength of your jawbone following bone loss. |
Learn More About Gum Disease and Proper Oral Hygiene:
If you suspect you have gum disease, don’t wait until your next scheduled cleaning to find out. Call Fairmount Dental Center at (503) 362-8364 to schedule your appointment today.
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