Gum Disease

St. Paul, Woodbury, Minneapolis, Hudson, Lake Elmo, Stillwater, Minnesota

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in this country. What may seem like a minor case of plaque buildup to you can quickly turn into a serious case of gingivitis or periodontitis. For millions of Americans, brushing and flossing can alleviate the buildup of plaque, but this should be combined with a biannual visit to the Centre for Distinctive Dentistry in Woodbury, Minnesota for a professional cleaning by Dr. Nippoldt and his experienced staff.

Causes of Gum Disease

The main cause of gum disease is the buildup of plaque, which is made up of colonizing bacteria that have attached to the exposed part of the teeth. The bacteria feed on the sugars in food particles deposited when you eat. Plaque can be scraped off with a fingernail or brushing, but begins to harden if left on the teeth for more than 48 hours. It becomes a rock hard substance called tartar after a week.

Plaque and tartar irritate your gums, and cause your gums to become inflamed. Gums can become red or even purple, cause pain, and bleed easily. However, any injury to the gums, including brushing hard to get rid of plaque buildup can cause problems. The bacteria can then cause infections in the gums and get into the blood stream causing even further problems. Studies show that there is a connection between this bacteria and serious diseases including heart disease and some cancers. Speak to Dr. Nippoldt about periodontal therapy options.

Certain medications, uncontrolled diabetes, poor general health or dental hygiene, and hormonal changes from pregnancy or puberty can also cause gum disease.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a more serious type of gum disease and involves a loss of the bone around the teeth. If left untreated, the teeth become loose and may fall out.

Beyond the symptoms of gingivitis, such as red, swollen and bleeding gums, periodontitis has other more serious qualities. These include:

• Halitosis
• Recession of gum tissue
• Pockets between teeth and gums
• Loose teeth

Treatment for Gum Disease

Treating gum disease really begins with preventing it in the first place. Brushing after every meal, or at least twice a day, as well as daily flossing are things you can do at home. Using an antiseptic mouthwash that contains chlorhexidine gluconate or hydrogen peroxide will help cut down on bacteria in your mouth. Twice a year professional cleanings and intraoral xrays to monitor gum disease are also important.

Dr. Nippoldt and his staff will perform gum scaling and planing to remove plaque and tartar beneath the gumline in serious cases of gum disease. If this does not help, the next step may be surgical.

If you are concerned about gum disease and live in the St. Paul, Stillwater, or Hudson, Minnesota area, please contact Woodbury dentist, Dr. Nippoldt at the Centre for Distinctive Dentistry to set up an appointment.