The Importance of Maintaining Healthy Gums
Do your gums feel irritated or repeatedly bleed? If so, you may be suffering from a common infection called periodontal (gum) disease. This happens when the gums, teeth, and jaw become infected by harmful bacteria produced from plaque buildup.
Dr. Stockdale can help restore your oral health to its highest standard with periodontal care. Learn what causes gum disease and how our effective treatment options can help.
Causes, Symptoms, and Stages
Plaque often develops in hard-to-reach places where normal brushing and flossing simply can’t get the job done. That’s why, even with good oral hygiene, patients are still at risk for developing gum disease. Several reasons may increase your likelihood of periodontitis, such as:
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Certain types of medication
- Smoking or use of tobacco products
- Defective dental restorations
- Previous health conditions, like diabetes
Gum disease can develop into a more serious problem the longer you avoid professional treatment. There are three stages of gum disease ⎼ gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Once your infection reaches the third, most advanced stage, the bone deteriorates and teeth become loose, eventually resulting in your tooth being extracted.
Notice Signs Before It’s Too Late
Recognizing early signs of gum disease will allow Dr. Stockdale to restore your oral health before it weakens. Common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Red, Inflamed, or swollen gums
- Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
- Receding gum line
- Pockets between your teeth and gums
- Changes in your bite
- Persistent bad breath
How We Treat Gum Disease
Here at Renaissance Dental Care, we treat mild to moderate cases of gum disease with a minimally invasive procedure called scaling and root planing, or deep cleaning. It’s safe, effective, and can be completed in as little as one appointment.
Dr. Stockdale will remove all the plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) and bacteria from below the gum line, making sure to clean down to the bottom of the pocket. We’ll also smooth out the t roots of your teeth to help your gums reattach to them and prevent bacteria from reaching the disinfected area.
For patients with severe cases of gum disease, Dr. Stockdale may recommend taking additional measures to help restore your smile and prevent further damage. This may include different types of gum surgery, depending on the severity of your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Untreated gum disease will advance into more serious stages of the condition, resulting in numerous damaging consequences. Your gums and bones can begin to deteriorate, teeth can become loose or fall out, or you may even require a tooth extraction.
Choosing not to treat gum disease can also lead to even more detrimental problems, like Alzheimer’s and respiratory disease. That’s why it’s crucial to seek professional treatment at the first sign of gum disease.
Scaling and root planing can typically be completed in a single, 1-2 hour appointment at Renaissance Dental. However, if you have an advanced stage of gum disease, Dr. Stockdale will require you to come in for several appointments to eliminate plaque and bacteria. He’ll determine whether you need additional periodontal care during your initial consultation.
There are three stages of periodontal (gum) disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. The earliest stage is gingivitis, where the gums appear to be red and mildly inflamed — they may also bleed when you’re brushing and flossing. If caught early on, Dr. Stockdale can restore the health of your gums with a simple scaling and root planing procedure.
Periodontitis is the second stage of gum disease, where your gums begin to separate from your teeth and plaque spreads further. The third stage is advanced periodontitis, which only occurs when gum disease has been completely ignored. At this stage, your teeth, gums, and overall health will face damaging consequences.
In addition to regular brushing and flossing, it’s important to schedule bi-annual dental exams and professional cleanings to maintain healthy teeth and gums. If you’ve had any gum problems, Dr. Stockdale may recommend additional dental visits to ensure your oral health is on track. It can also be beneficial to adopt a healthy, well-balanced diet and refrain from smoking or chewing tobacco to prolong a healthy smile.