Treatments for Gum Disease
What is gum disease?
Gum disease Dayton is the inflammation and infection of the gumline. Gum disease comes in three stages: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advances periodontitis. Without treatment, gum disease can eventually cause deterioration of the gums, teeth, and bone structure.
What are some symptoms of gum disease?
It is possible to have gum disease without even realizing it. It is important to know what to look for! Some signs and symptoms include:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Red and puffy or tender gum tissue
- Chronic bad breath, or halitosis
- Gum recession
- Tooth sensitivity
- Loose teeth
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Changes in the way tooth restorations fit
- Change to your fight or tooth alignment
- Pus at the gumline
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque at the gumline. Plaque is colorless and can be removed with brushing and flossing. If plaque is not removed regularly, it can harden into tartar which is visibly white. Tartar, sometimes referred to as calculus, cannot be removed on our own, it requires a professional cleaning.
As we mentioned earlier, there are three stages of gum disease. Here is a review of the stages in a bit more detail:
- Gingivitis: The most mild form of gum disease involves the inflammation of the gums issue caused by the buildup of plaque at the gumline. Patients may see redness and swelling or experience some tenderness or bleeding during brushing and flossing.
- Periodontitis: This second stage of gum disease is a bit more harmful. The gums and other supporting structures have become irreversibly damaged as the gum pockets accumulate plaque and bacteria. This infection requires professional attention.
- Advanced Periodontitis: This third, severe stage of gum disease begins to cause deterioration to the fibers and burn structure that holds your teeth in place. Teeth pic and become loose and shift position which will affect your bite and even how you eat and speak. At this stage, you may require the attention of a periodontist who specializes in the treatment of gums and gum disease.
How can I prevent gum disease?
The best way to prevent gum disease is by maintaining good home care. A thorough oral hygiene routine will ensure that you eradicate any plaque buildup on a daily basis and keep that plaque from turning into hardened tartar. It is important to brush twice daily with a soft bristled toothbrush and to floss at least once a day. The use of an antibacterial mouthwash will help kill any lingering bacteria.
How is gum disease treated?
Since it is not possible to remove tartar on your own, it is important to maintain a twice yearly schedule to have your teeth professionally cleaned. At these cleanings, your dental hygienist will be able to monitor your gum health and clear out any plaque buildup and infection to ensure that you are not regress and develop gum disease again.
In the event of advanced gum disease, a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) may be in order. A deep cleaning requires local anesthetic as your dental hygienist will scrape plaque and tartar from below the gum line.
Sometimes, a periodontist can utilize a soft tissue laser to help restore gum pockets, a common procedure to treat gum recession. If gum disease and gum recession is to advance, you may require gum graft surgery.
More on Gum Disease : Gum Disease Symptoms