What are some gum disease treatments?
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease washington dc. Gum disease is the inflammation and infection of the gum tissue. Without treatment, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis which can then progress to advanced periodontitis. The early two stages of gum disease are treatable but once it has developed into advanced periodontitis, damage may be irreversible. Untreated gum disease can lead to gum tissue damage and deterioration of jaw bone structure and the loss of teeth.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
It is important to know what the signs and symptoms of gum disease look like. A person can have gum disease and not know it so when performing your oral hygiene routine, be on the lookout for:
- Red and puffy gum tissue
- Bleeding upon brushing or flossing
- Halitosis, chronic bad breath
- Gum recession
- Tooth sensitivity or looseness
- Pain upon biting or chewing
- Changes the way dental restorations fit
- Change to your bite or tooth alignment
- Pus at the gumline
Causes of Gum Disease
Poor oral hygiene is the biggest cause of gum disease. Some other causes include genetics, medication, and even pregnancy. Plaque is a sticky, colorless residue that forms throughout the day but is easily cleaned away with floss and toothbrush. When plaque builds up at the gumline, it turns into white tartar which cannot be removed with a toothbrush and floss but requires a professional cleaning.
Treatment for Gum Disease
Different treatments are used for each stage of gum disease. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, can be treated with a simple professional cleaning. Plaque that builds up at the gumline hardens into tartar and causes inflammation in the gum tissue and patients may see some puffiness and redness along the gumline as well as tenderness and bleeding during brushing and flossing. A professional cleaning will clear out your gum pockets of plaque and tartar buildup that you cannot remove on your own. Your dental hygienist may advise you to come in for more frequent cleanings until you are back at a healthy state.
Periodontitis is the next stage of gum disease and is more harmful to gum tissue and other supporting structures. Plaque and bacteria in your gum pockets have reached a point that a simple cleaning will not be effective. Your hygienist or dentist may recommend that you receive a scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning). This cleaning is much more involved and is usually split into two visits, one side of your mouth being completed at each visit. Your hygienist will administer an anesthetic for a scaling and root planing so that they can reach well below the gum line, deep into your gum pockets to eradicate any infection.
Advanced Periodontitis is the most harmful and advanced stage of gum disease. At this point, supporting fibers and bone structure that hold your teeth and please begin to deteriorate. Your dentist will probably refer you to a periodontist for treatment. The periodontist May be able to provide treatment with a soft tissue laser to restore the health of your gum pockets and eradicate infection. If gum recession or bone deterioration is advanced, you may require a gum and/or bone graft.
More on Gum Disease : Signs of Gum Disease