Does your gum bleed when you brush your teeth? Do you have swollen gums? Then you may be suffering from symptoms of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, occurs when there is an overgrowth of bacteria on your teeth, extending below your gums into the surrounding tissue. Gum disease starts as gum infection, also known as gingivitis. You get this condition when there is plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth and gums, caused by the activity of overgrown bacteria. If you are looking for gum disease treatment in Des Plaines IL, we can help you.
Gingivitis is a milder form of periodontal disease that is often diagnosed through symptoms like swollen and bleeding gums when you brush your teeth. When left untreated, this gum infection extends to the deeper tissues and bones of your teeth and eventually results in tooth loss. In fact, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Periodontal disease has also been recorded as a risk factor for cardiovascular conditions such as a heart attack or stroke.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Swollen Gums: This is often one of the first symptoms of gingivitis, and it signals the presence of inflammation in the gums due to an infection.
Halitosis: Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is also an accompanying symptom of gum disease. It is caused by the increasing activity of bacteria in your mouth.
Receding Gums: As bacteria continues to attack the bone and gum tissue, your gums may start to recede or visibly pull away from your teeth.
Loose tooth: Due to the damage on teeth, bone, and gums by bacteria, your teeth may begin to feel loose, giving you an abnormal bite. At this stage, you are at risk of losing your tooth if urgent care is not administered.
Gum Abscess: In some cases of gum disease, you may notice the presence of pus discharge from your gums, often accompanied by a bad taste and foul odor.
Treatment of Periodontal Disease
Fortunately, there are different treatment options for gum disease to save your teeth and restore your smile. Some are listed below.
Dental Hygiene
The first step of treatment, especially in the case of gingivitis, is improved dental hygiene. Your dentist would typically recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss once. Symptoms of gingivitis should improve after a while with improved oral care.
Professional Scaling and Cleaning
Since gum disease is caused by the overgrowth of plaque and tartar due to the activity of bacteria, an effective treatment option is to scrape off tartar and thoroughly clean your mouth. At your appointment, your dentist would use special tools to clean both your teeth and below your gum line. This procedure is highly beneficial as it prevents further damage due to the infection, cures bad breath, and improves the appearance of your teeth.
Medications
As part of your treatment plan, your dentist may also recommend prescription antibiotics, pain relievers, and mouthwashes to eradicate gum disease.
Surgery
In more advanced cases of periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend surgical procedures. The aim of these procedures is usually to fix receded gums or to regenerate bone or gum tissue that has been destroyed by the infection. The two commonly recommended procedures are Flap surgery and Bone and tissue grafts.
Are you suffering from periodontal disease? Contact us for your professional cleaning and scaling procedure. You can receive customized treatment at Roseroot Dental by booking an appointment today.