What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a serious inflammatory condition that affects the tissues supporting your teeth. It's caused by the harmful bacteria found in plaque and tartar that build up on your teeth and under your gums. Since the progression of gum disease can often be painless, many people don't even realize they have it. This is why regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are so important—they're our best defense against this silent threat.
The Warning Signs of Gum Disease
Staying aware of the signs and symptoms of gum disease can help you catch it early. If you notice any of the following, it's time to see a dentist:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Receding gums or exposed tooth roots
- Teeth that feel loose
- New spaces developing between your teeth
- A change in the way your partial dentures fit
- Pain when chewing
The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health
Taking care of your gums isn't just about preserving your smile; it's also a crucial part of maintaining your overall health. Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss and has been linked to a number of systemic medical problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory problems. By managing your gum health, you're taking an important step toward protecting your entire body.
Understanding the Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease progresses in stages, and the treatment approach depends on how far the disease has advanced.
- Gingivitis (Early Stage): This is the initial stage of gum disease. You might notice your gums are red, inflamed, or bleed when you brush, but there's no significant discomfort. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible with professional cleanings and an improved home-care routine. At this point, no permanent damage has occurred.
- Periodontitis (Advanced Stage): If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. The inflammation begins to destroy the connective tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place. As the disease advances, you can experience deep pockets between your teeth and gums, gum recession, and bone loss, eventually leading to loose teeth or even tooth loss.
How We Treat Gum Disease
The type of treatment you receive will depend on the severity of your condition. Our goal is always to use the least invasive and most effective methods to restore your periodontal health.
Non-Surgical Treatment
For early-stage gum disease, we often recommend non-surgical approaches combined with improved at-home hygiene.
- Scaling and Root Planing: This is a deep cleaning procedure that is considered the first line of defense. We carefully remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooth the root surfaces of the teeth. This process eliminates the bacteria that cause inflammation, helping to halt the progression of the disease. We may also use antimicrobial medication to further reduce the bacterial population.
Periodontal Surgery
If the disease has progressed and deep pockets have formed (typically 5mm or more), we may recommend periodontal surgery.
- Flap Surgery: During this common procedure, we gently pull the gums away from the teeth and bone to gain access. This allows for a thorough cleaning of the pockets and the removal of bacteria and tartar. The gums are then sutured back into place. The goal is to reduce pocket depth, stop bone loss, and make it easier for you to keep your teeth clean.
Thanks to modern advancements, we can not only halt the progression of gum disease but also use regenerative procedures and bone grafts to repair damaged tissues and restore bone volume. We can also use dental lasers for certain procedures, which can be less invasive and promote faster healing.
Our Commitment to Your Gum Health
At Everyday Dental, we provide state-of-the-art solutions to help you achieve and maintain healthy gums. We'll perform a thorough assessment, discuss all your treatment options, and provide the guidance you need to keep your smile healthy for a lifetime.
To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, call our office today.
