Gum disease is a chronic oral disease that generally goes unnoticed until it’s very far along. Early detection and treatment are important for maintaining your smile and overall health. If you’re experiencing unusual gums or a change in your breath, it’s always best to visit a highly recommended dental office in St Cloud, FL Knowing the warning signs and treatment can be the difference in avoiding long-term damage.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a serious infection that attacks the soft tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place, silently endangering your smile unless treated. It most often develops from poor oral hygiene practices that enable plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria, to build up on the teeth and harden. This can cause inflammation and, eventually, destruction of gum tissue and bone.
Common Symptoms of Gum Disease
Detecting gum disease in its initial phase will prevent its further complications. The most common symptoms to look out for are as follows:
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums on brushing or flossing could be an early sign of gingivitis, the mildest gum disease.
Persistent Bad Breath
Ongoing bad breath or a persistent foul odor in your mouth could be a sign of bacterial buildup under the gumline.
Swollen, Red, or Tender Gums
Your gums are healthy if they are pink and firm. The primary infection signs are swelling, redness, or tenderness.
Gum Recession
If your teeth appear longer than normal, your gums may be receding, an initial sign of tissue damage.
Loose or Shifting Teeth
Gum disease advanced enough can dissolve the bone supporting the teeth, and your teeth become loose or start to shift.
If you find one or more of these signs, it is essential to seek professional care as soon as possible. A dentist for gum disease will be able to give a full assessment and outline the best treatment plan for your individual situation.
Understanding Gum Disease Treatments
How severe your gum disease is will determine treatment. These are some of the most popular treatments for gum disease:
Professional Dental Cleaning
In the early stage of gum disease (gingivitis), a professional cleaning will remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. Regular dental visits are necessary to stop further disease.
Scaling and Root Planing
This is a radical deep-cleaning procedure. Scaling eliminates plaque and tartar from the surface of teeth and immediately below the gumline, and root planing smoothes roots to enable gums to reattach.
Antibiotic Therapy
Topical or oral antibiotics can be prescribed, in some instances, to inhibit bacterial infection and enhance healing.
Periodontal Surgery
For more advanced conditions where deep pockets have developed or extensive bone loss has occurred, surgery can be necessary. Periodontal treatment in st cloud involves flap surgery, bone graft, or tissue-regenerating therapy.
Every case of treatment is particularly designed in response to the individual patient’s circumstances, in line with disease severity and degree, as well as the general status of oral wellness.
Prevention Is the Best Medicine
Avoiding gum disease starts with having good dental hygiene and regular good habits. Here are a few tips:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Daily flossing clears away hidden plaque your brush can’t reach.
- Avoid tobacco, which is one of the main culprits in predisposing you to gum disease.
- Eat a good diet to stimulate an immune response.
- Preventative visits to your dentist for early diagnosis and cleaning.
If you keep on top of it, you can cut your risk of developing gum disease by a large amount and have healthy gums that remain strong and resilient for many years.
Don’t Let Gum Disease Hold You Back – Act Now!
Don’t neglect signs of gum distress; your smile is worth it. Whether you are experiencing early warning signs or require ongoing treatment, we at Lakeshore Dental can assist. Book your appointment today and let our skilled staff of professionals restore your oral well-being and sense of calm.