Common Gum Problems

The main reason why most people place so much of an emphasis on dental care is because they want a healthy smile. They’ll brush their teeth, floss their teeth, and maybe even watch what foods they eat for the sake of their teeth. However, a healthy smile isn’t just about a person’s teeth – it’s just as much about his or her gums. Gums are a big factor when it comes to a great smile, which is why it’s important for all of us to take care of our gums. After all, when our gums suffer from problems, our smile does as well. As dentists in Sedona and Cottonwood, AZ, we at Arizona Smile Designers would like to tell you about some of these common gum diseases.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease and it usually develops when a person has poor oral hygiene. It typically doesn’t provide any discomfort for a person who has it. However, it still causes a variety of gum problems, which include the following:

  • Red gums
  • Swollen gums
  • Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing

With proper dental care and oral hygiene, gingivitis is reversible. When gingivitis is left untreated though, it can lead to periodontitis.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease. Over time, plaque will spread and grow beneath the gum line, eventually harming the tissues and bones that support the teeth. In addition to the problems that gingivitis can cause, periodontitis can also cause:

  • Bad breath
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Receding gums
  • Formation of deep pockets between the teeth and gums
  • Destruction of the gums, bone, and tissues that support the teeth, leading to loosening teeth that may need to be extracted

There are several different types of periodontitis. These include:

  • Aggressive periodontitis
  • Chronic periodontitis
  • Necrotizing periodontal disease
  • Periodontitis from systemic diseases

Contact Your Sedona and Cottonwood, AZ Dentists Today!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us and let us know. We at Arizona Smile Designers will be glad to address any and all of your concerns. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with our dentists, we encourage you to give us a call at (928) 634-8610. We hope to hear from you soon and help you attain healthier gums and a healthier smile!