Periodontal disease, or gum disease as it is commonly called, is one of the biggest threats to your oral health. Gum disease can lead to a wide variety of problems from receding gums and loose teeth to severe health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
The good news is that gum disease can be treated. And the sooner it is treated the better the outcome of treatment will be. Learn more about gum disease treatment, as well as how to recognize the symptoms and tips for prevention.
What is Gum Disease?
The medical term for gum disease is periodontitis or periodontal disease. It is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film made up of food residue and bacteria that clings to the teeth. When it is not removed by brushing, flossing, or regular dental cleanings, the bacteria can infect the gums.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
- Abscesses (pockets of infected tissue)
- Loose teeth
- Pain when chewing or brushing
If you notice any of these symptoms you should make an appointment to see your dentist or periodontist as soon as possible. The sooner gum disease is treated the more likely it is to be cured. Once gum disease progresses to the advanced stages it can be managed but not fully cured.
Treatment for Gum Disease
There are two main treatment options for gum disease:
- Non-surgical treatment. Early stage gum disease can be treated with non-surgical options. These involve deep cleaning of the teeth through procedures such as scaling and root planing. Scaling involves removal of plaque and calculus from the teeth as well as the roots under the gums. Root planing smooths the root surface following scaling to encourage reattachment of the gum tissue.
- Surgical treatment. Advanced stage gum disease often requires surgical treatment. This may involve pocket reduction surgery, which reshapes the jaw bone and support structure for the teeth to eliminate the spaces between the teeth and gums where plaque accumulates. Periodontal regeneration may also be used in the form of bone grafting and the placement of collagen membranes to encourage regrowth of oral tissues.
How To Prevent Gum Disease
It is in the best interest of your oral health to prevent gum disease in the first place. Prevention and early treatment are the only ways to avoid permanent damage. The following tips can help you maintain your oral health and avoid gum disease:
- Brush your teeth. Brushing your teeth twice a day can remove a significant amount of plaque. Be sure to brush for at least 2 minutes and reach all sides of all of your teeth. Pay special attention to the gumline, using gentle circular motions.
- Floss your teeth. Floss once a day between each of your teeth to remove plaque that forms where your brush can’t reach. Flossing also strengthens your gums, making them more resistant to infection.
- Go to the dentist. Schedule regular cleanings with your dentist or periodontist every 3 or 6 months depending on whether you have periodontal disease or not. Dental cleanings remove plaque that is left behind after brushing and flossing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Disease
Will gum disease go away on its own without treatment?
Early stage gum disease, such as gingivitis, may go away with improvement to your oral hygiene habits. But moderate or advanced stage gum disease requires professional treatment or it will only worsen.
What happens if gum disease goes without treatment?
When gum disease goes without treatment for too long it can lead to loss of teeth and it may even enter your bloodstream where the infection can move through your body and affect your organs. If you have symptoms of gum disease see your dentist immediately.
Contact Schrott Perio Implants
A periodontist is a dental specialist who primarily treats gum disease and the residual damage it causes. If you think you may have gum disease, call Schrott Perio Implants today at (617) 484-9240 or contact us to schedule an appointment.