Gum Disease Treatment
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Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is insidious because it often presents with no symptoms. You might think this is normal if you notice blood in the sink after brushing and flossing. But the truth is that it could be a sign you have gum disease.
When people notice a problem, the disease may be too advanced to do much more than manage the condition. If no treatment is obtained, it might eventually lead to tooth loss.
Signs You Might Have Gum Disease
Gum disease starts with a build-up of a sticky film of bacteria on the teeth. It eventually hardens into calculus or tartar. Tartar can only be removed at your dentist’s with professional dental tools. When it isn’t removed, it can cause an infection in the gums.
Bleeding gums after brushing and flossing are some early signs of periodontal disease.
As the disease progresses, symptoms can start showing up in the following forms:
- Swollen, red gums
- Pockets of pus forming around the gumline
- Teeth that look elongated because of gum recession
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away no matter how frequently you brush
- Loose teeth that seem to be shifting
- Tooth loss and tooth extraction
Treatment for Gum Disease
In its early stages, gum disease is called ‘gingivitis,’ and it can often be successfully treated by removing the build-up of tartar and thorough cleaning of the teeth. Your dentist might recommend more frequent teeth cleans to keep the gingivitis from reoccurring.
More advanced gum disease, called ‘periodontitis,’ might involve a procedure called scaling and root planing to clean below the gumline.
It’s best to prevent periodontal disease from developing in the first place with good oral home care and biannual visits to the dentist for professional cleaning. Poor oral hygiene and lifestyle habits such as smoking put people at a higher risk of developing the disease.
It should be noted that once the disease takes hold, it often cannot be reversed but only be managed through regular deep cleanings.
