General Dentistry: 3 Questions to Ask a Dentist About Gum Disease

One aspect of dentistry that often gets overlooked is gum disease. Dentists are a wealth of information regarding this dangerous condition that can lead to heart disease and diabetes. Speak with yours and learn everything you need to know about this critical topic.

Questions to ask your dentist about gum disease

You should arrive at your dental appointment with a list of prepared concerns. Here is some information that will help you be specific with your questions.

1. What are the signs of periodontal disease?

Because it is painless, it is possible to develop gum disease without even knowing it. Unless you maintain vigilance, you and your dentist might not become aware of the matter until it has entered advanced stages.

Luckily, many symptoms can tip you off. Pay attention to any redness, tenderness, or swelling in your mouth. Gum disease may be developing when you experience bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating certain foods.

Pus between gums and teeth is an additional sign to check. Also, be aware of sores and persistent bad breath. Another indication of trouble is receding gums, which cause teeth to look longer than before.

Watch out for teeth that are loose or separating. Other warnings include a change in the way you bite or the need to alter the fit of partial dentures.

Should one or more of these symptoms apply to you, have your dentist examine your mouth and confirm whether there is trouble present.

2. What actions can help prevent periodontal disease?

Dentistry mandates that teeth and gums be brushed after every meal and right before bed. In addition to preventing cavities, doing this helps stop the creeping threat of periodontal disease. Flossing at least once per day further helps avert the problem. See your dentist for regular exams, and verify that you are executing these tasks with enough vigor.

3. What are the treatments for periodontal disease?

The least expensive and most cost-effective treatments for those with periodontal disease are often non-surgical. While these methods have limitations, they can be effective enough to avoid surgery. Scaling and root planing cleans root surfaces, removing plaque and tartar from deep pockets caused by periodontitis. The dentist may also recommend adjunctive therapies following this procedure.

Gum graft surgery adds new gums to eroded gum lines. This operation is sometimes helpful in reducing tooth decay and oversensitivity.

Laser treatments may prove beneficial in preventing the advancement of periodontitis. Although the procedure is safe, harm can occur if the wavelengths used are too strong.

There are many other possible procedures. Ask your dental practitioner to explain them and advise where to go for more information. The better informed you are about the options before you, the more likely you are to be satisfied with your treatment.