Gum Treatment in New Baltimore

What Is Periodontal Disease?

You’ve probably heard periodontal disease referred to as gum disease. It’s an inflammatory disease and infection that affects the tissues and bones that both surround and support the teeth. Gum disease is a common dental problem that’s the leading cause of tooth loss in Americans over the age of 30. The mildest form of this disease is gingivitis, which usually causes swollen and red gum tissue. Unlike other forms of the disease, gingivitis can be reversed without requiring invasive or surgical treatment options. 

What Causes Gingivitis?

Improper oral health habits are a common cause of gum disease. A colorless, sticky substance called plaque develops on your teeth each day. Diligently brushing and flossing every day can remove plaque, but if you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque can quickly harden into a harmful substance called tartar. Professional cleanings can remove tartar, but when left to accumulate, the bacteria in tartar can damage your gum tissue, causing inflammation and other symptoms. Our dentists recommend maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home and coming into our office for professional cleanings as the best gingivitis cure, but there are treatments available when the disease is diagnosed early.

Are You Displaying Gum Disease Symptoms?

In the early stages of gum disease, it’s common for many people to attribute symptoms to brushing too harshly or having sensitive gums. However, if continued to remain untreated, gum disease can lead to significant problems, including tooth loss. Take a look at some of the most common gingivitis symptoms:

• Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
• Redness, inflammation, or swelling along the gum line
• Chronic bad breath

If you have any of these symptoms, please get in touch with our New Baltimore dental office today.

What Are the Most Noticeable Signs of Gum Disease?

If you think you’re showing early signs of gingivitis, call our office to schedule an appointment. During your professional examination, our dentists will make a diagnosis based on these gum disease symptoms:

• Loose teeth
• Pus in between the teeth
• Gum recession

If you need help getting your gum disease treated, contact our dental professionals today.

Are There Different Stages of Gum Disease?

Gingivitis

The early stages of gum disease usually don’t cause any pain, but you’re likely to notice some minor bleeding when you’re brushing and flossing. A gingivitis cure can be achieved in a short period of time when your gingivitis symptoms are diagnosed and treated early. Our dentists can help you resolve your symptoms before they advance into a stage that’s more difficult to treat.

Periodontitis

An infection called periodontitis can develop quickly when the first signs of gingivitis aren’t treated quickly. Periodontitis is an infection of the gum tissue, and it can quickly cause permanent damage to your jawbone and soft tissues. If you have periodontitis, you’ll likely need more invasive treatments.

Advanced Periodontitis

Periodontitis is typically the final stage of gum disease. When you have periodontitis, the infection has reached the bones and supporting gum tissue. This can cause advanced periodontal disease symptoms, which can cause your teeth to loosen, shift or even fall out entirely. The best chances of reversing gum disease occurs when you begin treatment at the first sign of troublesome symptoms.

Can Gingivitis Be Cured?

Gingivitis treatment is the most effective at preventing progression to an advanced stage when it’s started at the first sign of symptoms. Once the infection spreads to the jawbone and surrounding soft tissues, achieving a gingivitis cure requires more aggressive treatment. Fortunately, in the early stages of gum disease, brushing and flossing each day and receiving professional dental cleanings twice a year can help many achieve a gum disease cure. Our dentists will help you develop an at-home plan and professional cleaning schedule that best meets your needs. Make an appointment today if you’re noticing the signs of gingivitis.

What Is Advanced Gingivitis Treatment?

Even with diligent brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist, some patients require additional gingivitis treatment. Your dentist will devise a gum disease treatment plan that may include scaling and root planing, antibacterial mouthwash, or antibiotic treatment. If the infection has progressed to the point where it affects the roots of the teeth, gum surgery may be needed. Some patients may be referred to a professional who specializes in gum health, which is called a periodontist. Our dentists will work with you to determine a specific treatment plan for gum disease in New Baltimore that will help you reclaim your oral health. Make an appointment today to get started.

How Can You Reverse Gum Disease?

By flossing at least once a day and brushing twice a day, you might be able to achieve a gingivitis cure. However, even with proper oral hygiene, regular dental visits for professional checkups and cleanings are important for reversing gum disease through the removal of harmful tartar and plaque. If you’re starting to show signs of gingivitis symptoms, let our dentists help you reclaim your oral health. Call us today to make your appointment for gum disease in New Baltimore.