Gum Treatment in St. Clair Shores

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Commonly known as gum disease, periodontal disease is an infection or inflammation of the gums that surround your teeth and hold them in place. The first stage of the disease, gingivitis, is the most treatable and can be reversed if professional care is received quickly. If your gums are inflamed, call us today. We aggressively treat gum disease in St. Clair Shores and can help you get your oral health back on track.

What Causes Gum Inflammation?

Poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of gum disease, making it important to brush and floss at home in addition to seeing your dentist regularly. Without proper care, plaque builds up on your teeth and irritates the gum line. It can also develop into a harder substance called tartar, which causes even more inflammation on the gum tissue. While gingivitis treatment is preventive care, gingivitis is treatable in its early stages. When left alone, the infected gums will begin to pull away from the teeth, causing them to loosen over time. In fact, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among Americans over 35.

What Are the Typical Gum Disease Symptoms?

Did you know you can have gum disease without knowing it? The inflammation often doesn’t cause any symptoms, making diagnosis from a dentist key. However, there are some warning signs that occur once gum disease has developed, including:

• Red, puffy, or sensitive gums
• Unpleasant breath or an unusual taste in the mouth
• Bleeding when practicing oral hygiene

What Signs of Gingivitis Do Dentists Look For?

Dentists check for the warning signs of gum disease during regular examinations. These signs include:

• Swelling around the gums
• Gums pulling away from the teeth
• Unusual gaps between teeth or loose teeth
• Presence of pus between the gums and teeth
• Red “pockets” of inflammation at the base of the gum line

What Are the Stages of Gum Disease?

Gum disease generally has three stages:

1. Gingivitis: During the first stage of gum inflammation, you may notice slight bleeding when brushing or flossing, typically without any discomfort. When you’re only experiencing mild gingivitis symptoms, you may still be able to achieve a gingivitis cure at the dentist. Our dentist can treat these early signs of gingivitis before they progress.
2. Periodontitis: When gingivitis isn’t addressed, periodontitis may develop. During this stage, the bone and supporting ligaments around the teeth are damaged. Pockets will form at the gum line, trapping plaque and debris. Bacteria also become trapped in the pockets, causing the disease to progress faster. Dentists must use a more aggressive gingivitis cure to resolve these symptoms.
3. Advanced Periodontitis: This is the final stage of gum disease, where the bone and tissue holding the teeth in place are destroyed. Once you’ve reached this stage, the teeth may loosen or fall out completely. Fortunately, seeing a dentist for treatment of gum disease in St. Clair Shores during its earlier stages can help you avoid these serious complications.

What Gingivitis Treatment is Effective?

The earlier you are diagnosed, the easier it will be to eliminate the infection caused by gum disease. An early gingivitis cure includes a dedicated home hygiene routine and professional cleaning from your dentist. With proper care and a commitment to improving your oral health, you can stop gingivitis symptoms in their tracks and enjoy a healthier smile. Find out if you are suffering from the signs of gingivitis by scheduling an exam.

Can Dentists Treat Advanced Gingivitis?

If your gum inflammation has advanced into a more serious periodontal condition, the dentist will suggest a more aggressive course of treatment. This advanced gingivitis treatment may include scaling and root planing below the gums, infection treatment with antibiotics, as well as an antibacterial mouthwash. The dentist may also recommend visiting a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in gum health. Advanced gum disease must be treated quickly before tooth loosening or other complications develop. Contact us today to find out more about getting treatment for gum disease in St. Clair Shores.

Is Reversing Gum Disease Possible?

When symptoms of gum disease are present, you may wonder, “Is there a gingivitis cure?” While home care is essential for a healthy smile, it’s no substitute for seeing a dentist regularly. Visiting your dentist for a gum disease cure can resolve the inflammation and save your smile from further damage. If you’ve noticed gingivitis symptoms, don’t wait—schedule an appointment today.