Treatment for Gum Disease
One of the most significant risks to your oral health is gum or periodontal disease. The most common cause of tooth loss is gum disease, and it can increase your risk for many serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Periodontal disease is a progressive gum infection that can eventually destroy gum tissue and result in bone or tooth loss. At Topsfield Smiles, we offer preventive measures and effective treatment for gum disease.
Symptoms and Causes of Periodontal Disease
The main cause of periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums. Bacteria are constantly present in the mouth but cleaning the teeth daily can remove plaque and bacteria. When plaque is not completely removed, it can harden into tartar, which gives bacteria a place to hide. Tartar also can irritate and inflame the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. This can begin gingivitis, or a gum infection, that leads to periodontal disease. Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bad breath
- Swollen or red gum tissue
- Receding gum tissue
- Bleeding gums
- Tender gums
Over time, periodontal disease can destroy the gum tissue that supports the teeth. Patients can experience bone loss that results in loose teeth and eventually, tooth loss.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
Treatment for gum disease begins with improved oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing twice daily and routine professional teeth cleanings can help stop or prevent gingivitis. If you have progressed gum disease, treatment begins with deep cleanings to remove tartar below the gum line. This is a more advanced version of preventive teeth cleanings, which generally only clean teeth above the gums. Other treatments can include medications to control the gum infection.
In the early stages of gum disease, the damage to the gum tissue can be reversed with treatment. Later stages cannot be reversed, but the progression can be slowed or stopped to protect the gums and teeth from further damage.
If you have symptoms of gum disease, it is time to begin treatment. Frequent teeth cleanings and other treatments for gum disease can restore your oral health and protect your smile. To schedule your next cleaning and checkup, contact our dental office in Topsfield, MA.
