The Mouth-Body connection: Effective gum disease treatment
Oral health has a direct impact on your overall health and the bacteria that are complicit in Gum Disease have been directly and indirectly linked to chronic conditions across the entire body. Dentulu provides a range of solutions both virtually and through referrals to local dental professionals to help you manage and reverse gum disease so you can live your best life.
How it works
Dentulu provides access to its services on almost any device. You can access Dentulu’s online services and dental network by for registering a free account on your phone, tablet or computer.
Then you can browse through our “Best of Class” dental services and consult with a dentist from the comfort of your home.
Step 1:
Create an account using basic information like name, email, and contact information details.
Step 2:
Tell us about your dental and medical history and any relevant information that will help our dentists evaluate your specific needs. You can share your records from previous doctors and have all of your records stored safely and securely all in your private dental chart.
Step 3:
You can choose from a variety of dental services accessible directly to you from your home or ask for a free referral to a local dental office within our network so you can get the best dental care available.
What is gingivitis (Gum disease)?
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to the destruction of the bone that supports your teeth. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of food and bacteria that forms on your teeth. Plaque irritates your gums and causes them to become inflamed. Gum disease can occur if the inflammation is not treated.
Types of gum infections?
There are two types of gum infections:
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
Gingivitis vs Periodontitis
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that affects the gums and causes irritation. Without proper treatment of gingivitis, it can develop into periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to the destruction of the bone supporting your teeth. If left untreated, periodontitis can cause significant tooth erosion. Tartar buildup irritates your gums, leading to inflammation known as gingivitis. If not addressed, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. Effective periodontal disease treatment is essential to prevent bone loss and tooth erosion.
Factors that can lead you to gum diseases and other oral health?
Age
As you get older, your gums may recede (shrink back). Bacteria will grow on the roots of your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay.
Family history
If you have family members with gum disease, you're more likely to develop it yourself.
Poor nutrition
A diet lacking in certain vitamins and minerals can contribute to periodontal disease.
What are the causes of gum disease?
Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of food and bacteria that forms on your teeth. Plaque irritates your gums and causes them to become inflamed. Gum disease can develop if the inflammation is not treated. It can be caused by other factors too, Gum disease is caused by a wide range of factors, including:
Smoking
Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or a pipe increases your risk of gum disease. It also decreases the success of treatment.
Diabetes
People with this condition are more likely to develop infections, including periodontal disease.
Medications
Some types of medications can reduce the flow of saliva. A dry mouth doesn't have as much protection against plaque and bacteria.
Crooked teeth
Teeth that are not crooked are difficult to clean thoroughly. In hard-to-reach areas, plaque and germs may accumulate.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
There are several symptoms or warning signs that can contribute to gum disease such as:
Smoking
Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or a pipe increases your risk of gum disease. It also decreases the success of treatment.
Bad breath
Bacteria that are present in plaque can cause bad breath.
Infection
If the gum disease is left untreated, it can progress into an infection. This can be very dangerous and may even require hospitalization.
Bone loss
As the gums recede, the bone that supports your teeth starts to deteriorate. This can lead to tooth loss as well as a change in your bite.
Heart disease
Gum disease and heart disease are closely linked. The bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream and travel to your heart, causing problems.
Diabetes
Gum disease can make it harder to control your blood sugar levels.
Receding gums
As the gums recede, they can become very sensitive. This can make it difficult to eat and drink certain foods and can also lead to pain.
Teeth and Gums
As the gums recede, pockets can form between your teeth and gums. These pockets are a breeding ground for bacteria and can lead to further problems.
Swollen gums
As the gums recede, they can become swollen and tender. This can make it difficult to eat and drink certain foods and can also lead to pain.
Infection of the tissue around the teeth
As the gums recede, the tissue around the teeth can become infected. This can be very painful and may require treatment.
Changes in your bite
As the gums recede, your bite can change. This can make it difficult to eat and can also lead to pain.
Dental abscesses
An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms when the infection spreads. Abscesses can be very painful and may require treatment.
Cardiovascular disease
There is a link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease. The bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream and travel to your heart, causing problems.
Pregnancy complications
Gum disease has been linked to pregnancy complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
Osteoporosis
Gum disease can make it harder for your body to absorb calcium, which can lead to osteoporosis.
Rheumatoid arthritis
There is a link between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis. The inflammation from gum disease can damage the joints.
Cancer
There is a link between gum disease and cancer. The inflammation from gum disease can damage the DNA of cells, which can lead to cancer.
Other risk factors that contribute to gum diseases?
Change in hormones
Gum sensitivity is increased during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and monthly menstruation due to hormonal changes. Gingivitis can be more easily induced by gum sensitivity. The individual should be aware during the initial warning signs.
Sickness
Gum diseases can be caused by a variety of factors. Cancer and HIV, for example, are sicknesses that impede the immune system's function. Patients with diabetes are more likely to get infections since their bodies' capacity to utilize blood sugar is disrupted.
Medications
Because some medicines decrease the amount of saliva, which has a protective function for teeth and gums, they can have an impact on dental health. Gum line tissue growth in certain drugs, such as Dilantin and Procardia, and Adalat, can be abnormal.
Non-hygienic practices
Gum line tissue regeneration is hampered by bad habits such as smoking or chewing tobacco, eating acidic foods, teeth twice a day, and not brushing and flossing daily.
Bad dental hygiene rituals
Not cleaning your teeth regularly will allow plaque to accumulate. Poorly performed dental hygiene rituals are also a cause of gum disease.
Misaligned teeth
Teeth that are not aligned properly are more difficult to brush and floss, which can lead to the accumulation of plaque and the development of gum disease.
Genetic history of dental disease
If you have a family member with gum disease, you are more likely to develop the condition. This is because certain genes are associated with increased susceptibility to gum disease.
Clenching or grinding teeth (bruxism)
This habit can cause the gum tissue to recede because of the pressure placed on teeth.
Systemic problems
Gum disease has also been associated with other diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Researchers are still trying to determine if there is a cause-and-effect relationship.
How is gum disease diagnosed?
Gum disease is diagnosed by a dentist or periodontist through a clinical examination. During the exam, your dentist will look for gum recession, bleeding gums, and other signs of gum disease. They may also use special instruments to measure the depth of any pockets around your teeth. X-rays may be used to evaluate the condition of your teeth and check for bone loss.
Effective gum disease treatment
Gum disease treatment varies based on the severity of the condition. Gingivitis, a milder form, can be treated with professional cleaning and good oral hygiene. More severe gum disease, such as periodontitis, requires more aggressive gum disease treatment, including scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning), periodontal surgery, or tooth extraction.
How Dentulu can help you with Gum disease?
Dentulu has a wide range of top dentists, specialists, and dental hygienists available on our network across the entire United States. You can not only connect with our dental professionals via video/audio calls but you can also connect with local dental professionals in your area.
Dentulu also offers affordable and high quality dental care directly to patients from the comfort of their home. Through our advanced technology and industry leading partners, Dentulu offers direct access to solutions such as Salivary testing and gum disease reversing trays often without the need to visit a local dental office.
Simply order your test or purchase an at home dental impression tray to access dental services that have customarily been only available in dental offices.
Other advantages of using Dentulu
You can consult with some of the best dentists in the USA without having to leave your home or office.- You often don't have to take time off from work or school to see a dentist.
- You can get a consultation at any time of day or night and on almost any device.
- You don't have to worry about traffic or parking.
- Dentulu offers transparent pricing and many of its services can be reimbursed by your dental insurance without network fees.
Dentulu is a platform that connects patients
Dentulu is a platform that connects patients with dental professionals who specialize in periodontal disease. The platform offers a range of services, including virtual consultations, at-home treatment plans and in-person appointments. Dentulu’s platform can help patients with gum disease find a solution that fits their needs and schedule, whether it’s a deep cleaning or surgery. Dentulu’s network of dentists can help patients to get the right treatment and follow-up care, and with using the platform, patients can access the best care, more conveniently and affordably.
FAQs
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It is caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Symptoms of gum disease can include red, swollen, and bleeding gums, bad breath, and receding gums. In advanced stages, the gums may pull away from the teeth, and the teeth may become loose.
The primary cause of gum disease is plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, and certain medical conditions can also increase the risk of developing gum disease.
Gum disease is typically diagnosed by a dentist or periodontist during a regular dental exam. The dentist will examine the gums and measure the depth of the pockets between the gums and teeth to determine the severity of the disease.
Treatment for gum disease depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing may be sufficient. In more advanced cases, surgery may be required to restore the health of the gums.
Yes, gum disease can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, and regular dental check-ups. Quitting smoking and controlling certain medical conditions can also help to prevent gum disease.
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, receding gums and even bone loss, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other health issues. It’s important to treat gum disease as soon as possible to prevent long-term damage.
