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Overview of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease is the common term used to describe periodontal disease, the inflammation and infection of the bones and gum tissue that support and act as supportive structures for the teeth. This serious dental problem is one of the primary causes of tooth loss in Americans older than 30 years old. Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease, and it’s also the only form of the disease that can be successfully reversed without resorting to gum surgery or other invasive treatments. If you have gingivitis, you might notice that your gums appear inflamed or reddish in color. Our dentists have the training and experience needed to treat gum disease in Shelby Township and restore the health of your teeth and gums. Call our office today to get started.
What Is the Cause of Gingivitis?
If you don’t practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily, you’re increasing your risk of gum disease. Plaque is an invisible and sticky substance that accumulates on teeth every day. It can be removed each time you brush and floss, but if you don’t regularly engage in these habits, plaque can quickly harden into a yellow or dark brown substance called tartar. This harmful substance can be removed by your dental hygienist when you receive a professional cleaning, but it can irritate and inflame your gums if left to build up over time. Prevention is the most effective gingivitis cure, but it can be cured when it’s discovered before the condition advances.
What Are Gum Disease Symptoms?
The lack of pain or other noticeable symptoms are the main problems of gum disease, especially in the beginning stages. However, once you know what to look for, the early stages of gum disease can be treated promptly and can usually be reversed for most patients. Here are the main gingivitis symptoms to look for:
- Gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing
- Tender, red, swollen gums
- Frequent bad breath
Be sure to contact our Shelby Township office if you think you have any gum disease symptoms.
What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?
Contact us right away to make an appointment if you’re noticing signs of gingivitis. During your dental evaluation, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums for these specific gum disease symptoms:
- Visible pus in between the teeth
- Gums that are beginning to pull away from teeth
- Loose teeth
What Are the Stages of Gum Disease?
Gingivitis
Although you might not experience any pain during the early stages of gum disease, it’s very likely to notice some bleeding during brushing or flossing. Your best chances of achieving a gingivitis cure happen when the disease is caught early. Make an appointment when you notice gingivitis symptoms, and our dentists can help you restore your oral health.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis refers to an infection that affects the supporting structures of your teeth, including the bone and soft tissues. It occurs as a result of not receiving treatment for the signs of gingivitis and can be permanent. For most patients, invasive treatments, including gum surgery, may be required.
Advanced Periodontitis
If you ignore the symptoms of gum disease, the infection continues to progress, which can permanently affect the bones and supporting structures of your teeth. At this stage, it’s possible for your teeth to fall out, shift, or loosen. To prevent these serious symptoms of periodontal disease, it’s important to remain aware of any changes to your oral health. The possibility of reversing gum disease is high if you receive prompt treatment.
Can Gingivitis Be Cured?
Achieving a gingivitis cure is highly likely when the symptoms are recognized early so treatment can begin as soon as possible. As gum disease continues to progress, it remains unnoticed, gingivitis treatment options become more aggressive and time-consuming. If treatment begins as soon as symptoms appear, practicing good oral hygiene at home and seeing your dentist for professional cleanings every six months is usually all that’s needed to successfully attain a gum disease cure. Don’t wait to schedule an appointment if you’re seeing the signs of gingivitis. Make an appointment today with one of our skilled dentists.
Is There Advanced Gingivitis Treatment?
For patients that aren’t responding well to traditional gingivitis treatment, there are other alternatives available. Depending on the stage of the disease, your dentist might design a gum disease treatment plan that includes scaling and root planing, antibiotic treatment, or daily use of an antibacterial rinse. Based on your symptoms, you might be referred to a periodontist, a professional who specializes in the treatment of diseases affecting the gums and other soft tissues. Gum surgery may be required when nonsurgical treatments aren’t working well. To discover which treatment for gum disease in Shelby Township will work for you, contact us today to set up an appointment.
Can Gum Disease Be Reversed?
If you practice good oral hygiene habits, such as daily brushing and flossing, reversing gum disease is a possibility. Your chances of attaining a gingivitis cure are even higher when you visit your dentist twice a year for dental cleanings and checkups. Cleanings aid in the removal of plaque and tartar before it can irritate the gums and cause inflammation, which can lead to gingivitis symptoms. To get started on improving the health of your mouth, contact us today to schedule an appointment for gum disease in Shelby Township.
CareCredit
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