YOUR DENTIST EXPLAINS WHY GUM DISEASE THERAPY IS SO IMPORTANT!

Are you concerned with the appearance of your teeth? If so, it’s understandable given that at least a third of the people you meet will be highly influenced by the way your smile looks. Before you rush to have a cosmetic procedure done, though, your dentist says take care of the necessities first. Thus, if your gums are unhealthy, it’s important to start with gum disease therapy as your first step toward getting the smile of your dreams. Learn why as you read on!

Why is Gum Health So Important?

Gum health is vital to every other aspect of your dental wellness. That’s because your soft tissues are equivalent to the soil in a garden. If there is a problem with the latter, then no healthy crops will grow. The same applies to your oral health. You must have well-functioning gums to enjoy strong and beautiful teeth.

Gum Disease – A Big Threat to Your Oral Health!

One of the common oral health challenges that people face is gum disease. The condition starts with bacteria that have been allowed to grow and seep beneath the gumline. Here are three stages of the disease:

• Gingivitis – The first stage of gum disease, gingivitis involves bleeding, irritated, puffy and swollen gums. If the disease is identified and treated in this earlier phase, the effects can be completely reversed.
• Moderate Gum Disease – Failing to catch gum disease early enough can lead to a moderate stage of development. At this point, the damages incurred are permanent, but the disease can still be treated using methods like a deep cleaning that removes plaque trapped in the gum pockets.
• Advanced Gum Disease – The more advanced form of gum disease is sometimes referred to as periodontitis, and at this stage in the process, some of the teeth roots may be totally dissolved, which can lead to the teeth falling out. Your dentist may need to perform a surgical procedure to restore your oral health when the disease gets to this point.

Not only does gum disease have adverse effects on your oral health, it can also leave you more vulnerable to serious challenges like hypertension, stroke and heart attack as the infected blood travels from your mouth to other parts of the body.

Removing the Roadblock to a Beautiful Smile!

Everyone desires to have a nice smile, but gum disease can definitely stand in the way of it. Before you have any cosmetic dental work done, your dentist will examine your mouth, teeth and gums to determine the state of your oral health.

If there are signs of gum disease present, the professional is likely to suggest it be corrected before any cosmetic procedure is done. One reason is that the condition of your gums determines how successful any aesthetic dental procedure will be.

For example, if you have porcelain veneers placed over your existing teeth, the health of your natural digits will affect how long your veneers will last. That’s because your teeth rest in gum tissue, which supports everything else.

To go about improving your appearance the right way, contact your dentist to receive periodontal therapy first, and then rest assured that your cosmetic dental work will last longer and will be healthier!

About the Author

Dr. David Oyler earned his dental degree from Indiana University’s School of Dentistry. He has since gone on to provide quality dental care for over 20 years. Along the way, he has remained dedicated to taking continuing education to stay up-to-date with the latest dental procedures. Dr. Oyler treats gum disease at Oyler Family Dentistry, and he can be reached for more information through his website.