Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Left untreated can lead to pain, tooth loss, and other health problems. At Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly in Jackson, MS, we want our patients to understand the common causes of gum disease so they can take steps to prevent it.
If you do require gum disease treatment in Flowood, MS we’re the team to trust.
Don’t let gum disease become your problem. Contact our Jackson office at 601-939-4100 to schedule a dental cleaning appointment.
Plaque is a sticky film containing bacteria that builds up on teeth. Without proper oral hygiene, plaque can turn into tartar that adheres to teeth. The bacteria in plaque and tartar can cause inflammation and infection of the gums. This is called gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. As plaque and tartar build up, they can spread below the gum line causing periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings at our Jackson, MS, dental office are essential for removing plaque to prevent gum disease.
Insufficient oral hygiene is a contributor to plaque buildup and gum disease. People who do not brush and floss thoroughly and frequently enough have a higher risk for gingivitis and periodontitis. We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice daily for two minutes each time. Be sure to use proper technique, brushing at a 45-degree angle along the gum line to remove plaque effectively.
Flossing once a day is also imperative for cleaning between teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. Schedule regular professional cleanings every six months with our hygienists at Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly in Jackson, MS. Proper oral hygiene and routine cleanings can help prevent plaque buildup and subsequent gum disease.
In addition to infrequent brushing, improper brushing techniques can lead to inadequate plaque removal. Brushing too harshly and using a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause gum recession. This receded gum tissue is more vulnerable to plaque buildup and cannot protect the roots of teeth. Patients should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently in short strokes, paying attention to areas around the gum line. Allow our Jackson, MS dental professionals to demonstrate proper brushing methods to avoid gum recession and prevent gum disease.
Smoking and tobacco use significantly increase the risk of gum disease. Chemicals in tobacco can irritate gums and suppress the immune system function in the mouth. Smokers tend to develop plaque and tartar more quickly, leading to inflamed gums. Tobacco use also diminishes blood flow to the gums, making it harder for the tissues to fight infection and heal. Quitting smoking and tobacco products altogether is recommended to lower your risk of gum disease and its progression. Ask our team at Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly in Jackson, MS, for resources to help you quit smoking.
High stress levels can make someone more susceptible to gum disease as well. Chronic stress affects the immune system, making it harder to fight off the bacteria causing gum inflammation. Those under constant stress may neglect proper oral hygiene habits, increasing plaque buildup. Managing stress, diligent brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, are crucial for preventing and treating gum disease. Let our caring dental team in Jackson, MS, know if you need help dealing with stress.
Gum disease itself is not contagious. However, the bacteria that cause gum infections can spread from person to person. Sharing items like utensils or toothbrushes could transmit bacteria that lead to gum inflammation.
Yes, children can develop gingivitis even before their permanent teeth come in. An immune response to plaque bacteria often causes pediatric gum disease. Monitoring oral hygiene and limiting sugary foods can help prevent gum disease in kids.
Some medications that cause dry mouth or reduced saliva flow as a side effect can increase the risk of gum disease. Lack of saliva allows more plaque to build up. Talk to our Jackson dentists about adjusting dosages or using saliva substitutes.
Advanced cases of periodontitis can damage tissues and bone supporting the teeth. Without treatment, this can cause tooth loss. Early diagnosis and management of gum disease help prevent significant tooth loss.
A non-surgical treatment, scaling and root planing is often the first procedure in the fight against gum disease. Scaling removes the bacterial plaque from above and below the gumline. Root planing smooths the tooth surfaces to encourage healthy tissue reattachment and protection against future infection.
Osseous surgery is the most aggressive treatment for advanced gum disease in Flowood, MS. It involves removing the diseased gum tissue and repairing the damaged bone to restore support to the teeth. This surgery also removes the bacteria and calculus trapped in the deep pockets between the teeth.
Once gum disease has been comprehensively treated, periodontal maintenance is recommended to ensure it does not return. This procedure is completed every 3-4 months and involves a deep cleaning of the teeth at and below the gumline to remove bacteria and plaque accumulation. These deep cleanings will replace your regularly scheduled hygiene appointments.
At Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly, we know gum disease can be worrying, but our compassionate team is here to help people in Jackson, MS, and surrounding areas like Madison, Ridgeland, and Brandon get their smiles back on track. Don’t let gum disease impact your self-confidence or oral health any longer.
Take control by calling our Jackson dental office today at 601-939-4100 to schedule an evaluation. Our skilled clinicians will provide an accurate gum disease diagnosis, treatment plan, and ongoing supportive periodontal care. With offices conveniently located in Jackson, we happily serve patients from throughout central Mississippi. Let us help you achieve healthy gums, a revitalized smile, and greater peace of mind.
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