Plaque: When Sugar-Plums Dance In Your Teeth
December 13, 2017
If you have gum disease during the holiday season, you may find it painful to fully enjoy your holiday feast. Gingivitis, also known as gum disease, can range in severity from a simple nuisance and slight pain while chewing to significant tooth and bone loss. Over three million people in the United States deal with gum disease each year although it is preventable if you know the right steps to take.
This condition is often caused by plaque and debris that build up from food and stick around if the teeth aren’t cleaned properly. Knowing the symptoms and the best gum disease treatment is an essential part of keeping your mouth healthy, especially during the holiday season. You would not want to miss out on those holiday treats!
The Symptoms of Gum Disease
There are many symptoms of gum disease, and some are more noticeable than others. The following are things that should have you watching your teeth closely for problems:
- Tender, swollen, or red gums
- Bleeding gums during or after brushing or flossing
- Receding gums
- Persistent bad taste in mouth or bad breath
- Shifting or loose teeth
- Appearance of pockets between gums and teeth
- Changes in the bite as the teeth shift
Gum disease doesn’t always affect every tooth, so regular cleaning and exams by a general dentist are important to head off any problems you can’t see.
Treating Gum Disease
Regularly brushing, flossing and professional cleanings can help, but there are additional gum disease treatments that a dentist may use to clean your mouth.
A deep cleaning below the gum line is known as scaling and root planing. During scaling, special tools are used to remove tartar and plaque from below the gum line, and the root is smoothed and the gums reattached to the tooth during the planing phase. Scaling and root planing may require an anesthetic and may take more than one visit.
Holiday Gum Care
Some holiday foods, such as cookies, are sticky enough to attract extra plaque, especially between the teeth. During the holidays, brushing and flossing on a regular basis is crucial. After eating your delicious holiday feast, brush your teeth soon after to avoid immediate buildup of bacteria and plaque.
Give Us a Call
If you fear you have gum disease that may get more serious over time, we encourage you to call Dr. Alvarado at The Lakes Family Dental in McAllen, TX to discuss your treatment options and the severity of your condition.