Periodontal Disease Treatment
Do your gums bleed when you brush? Do you have bad breath that won’t go away? Do your gums look red and inflamed?
These are all signs that you may have gum (periodontal) disease. Prompt treatment for gum disease at our dental office can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the gums and the bones that support your teeth. In the same way that skin protects your body, your gums protect your teeth and the structures that support them.
Healthy gum tissue fits around each tooth like a cuff. With periodontal disease, the infection causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. If gum disease isn't treated, the infection starts to affect the bones that support your teeth and you may even lose a tooth.
There are two stages of gum disease.
- Gingivitis is the earliest stage and you may notice that your gums look inflamed or bleed when you brush. With prompt treatment, gingivitis is reversible.
- Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease. At this point, your gums start pulling away from your teeth, and the infection starts to attack the bone that holds it in place. Advanced treatment is required to stop further damage and prevent tooth loss.
Why Is Gum Disease Treatment Important?
Gum disease treatment is crucial, but not just for your oral health. There are many studies showing that chronic gum infections can contribute to several serious health conditions. The list is long, but a few are heart and respiratory disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and pregnancy complications.
What Does Periodontal Treatment Do?
If you have gingivitis (the earliest stage of gum disease), your dental hygienist will recommend a thorough cleaning. Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar build up on your teeth giving bacteria a place to hide and grow.
Treatment for gingivitis involves gently removing away all the plaque and tartar from your teeth and below your gum line. Your hygienist will also use this appointment to give you tips for proper brushing and flossing.
Since periodontitis is more severe, the treatment required is more advanced. Your hygienist will recommend a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. Plaque and tartar are removed, and the roots of your teeth are smoothed to promote reattachment of gum tissue and remove spots where bacteria can hide.
Do You Need Gum Disease Treatment?
Staying current with routine dental exams and cleanings at Eagle Mountain Family Dental is the best way to prevent gum disease. If it’s time for your next dental cleaning, or you see symptoms and think you need gum disease treatment, please call our Azle, TX dental office at (817) 444-3890 to arrange an appointment.
