Many people suffer from gum disease caused by the accumulation of bacteria around gums and teeth. If untreated, the bacteria could worsen the situation and lead to the loss of teeth. Some people have had dental implants because they lost their teeth to gum disease. After getting implants, others have wondered if they will be free from gum disease. It is assumed that dental implants might be a possible cause of gum disease.
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What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a medical condition caused by the accumulation of plaque and harmful bacteria. Plaque is the sticky film that forms around the mouth. A thin layer of healthy gum tissue connects the gums to teeth, but bacteria can destroy this if plaque accumulates. In time, bacteria in plaque can cause inflammation and pain in the gums and teeth.
Causes of Gum Disease
The following are some of the known causes of gum disease:
- Consuming Excessive Sugars, Sweets, and Junk Food
If you consume excess sugars, junk food, or sweets, it can lead to plaque build-up in your mouth. The plaque can be slimy and sticky. It can make the gums less effective at keeping teeth clean by not containing enough nutrients.
- Poor Dental Hygiene
If you do not brush or floss properly, you reduce the ability to clean the teeth thoroughly. The plaque can then remain on teeth and gums. If you don’t remove plaque regularly, the body’s immune system may not be strong enough to fight infection.
- Smoking
Smoking also leads to gum disease. The chemicals in tobacco aggravate the gum tissues and can trigger a long-term response from the immune systems, resulting in chronic gums inflammation and tooth loss.
- An Underactive Thyroid Gland
It is one of the most common medical causes of gum disease and can cause the immune system to be ineffective in fighting off infection, allowing conditions like gum disease to thrive.
- Not Visiting the Dentist Regularly
The plaque in the mouth can build up and cause infections if the teeth are not cleaned frequently. If you do not visit your dentist regularly, you put yourself at risk of developing gum disease. A dentist will not only treat gum disease but will fix broken teeth or straighten your teeth. Instead, you must go online and search invisalign near me to get some of the best recommendations.
Gum Disease and Dental Implants
The gum tissues around dental implants can be like those around natural teeth. The implant usually consists of a post, a crown, and an abutment component. The gum tissues grow over the post and around the crown. The tissues will be healthy if they are well-maintained by brushing and flossing. It means that dental implants are not a cause of gum disease. So, do not be worried unless you fail to care for your teeth.
Also, just because you have dental implants doesn’t mean you do not need your dentist. Therefore, visiting them at least twice per year to thoroughly clean your implants remains necessary.
How Is Gum Disease Treated?
Cleaning your teeth with mouthwash is the first line of defense against gum disease. The effects of plaque-caused gum disease can be prevented by rinsing with a special mouthwash that contains cetylpyridinium chloride. The agents in the mouthwash can reach deep inside the tissues and clean tooth-to-tooth. They also remove bacteria and plaque from dental implants and gums over time.
You can also floss daily to eliminate any plaque hiding between your teeth. Flossing can help remove plaque from around dental implants inaccessible with a toothbrush alone. You should also see your dentist regularly for a check-up and cleaning. Therefore, proper care will keep your dental implants free from gum disease.
Signs of Gum Disease
If you notice any of the following signs and symptoms, it could indicate you have gum disease.
- Pus Between Your Teeth
If pus is found inside any teeth, it could signify gum disease. Pus results from an infection in the tissues, and it causes pain, swelling, and redness. If pus develops between your teeth, you should get an immediate dental appointment.
- Bad Breath
Bad breath is a symptom of gum disease that may occur because of plaque build-up around dental implants. It can cause bad breath on the roof of your mouth or bad breath in your morning coffee.
- Red, Tender, and Swollen Gums That Bleed
It is another sign of gum disease. If the gums are tender, red, and swollen, they will bleed when you brush.
- Sudden Tooth Pain
Sudden pain when biting, chewing, swallowing, or opening your mouth may be caused by gum disease. It can also indicate that there is a problem in the jaw joint.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your dental care provider immediately to get an appointment as soon as possible.
Author: Alison Lurie
