Gum disease is one of the most common chronic diseases not just in the United States, but around the world. This is, in large part, due to the symptoms of gum disease often going unnoticed until it’s too late. Routine brushing, flossing, and visits to Fromuth & Langlois Dental of Manchester for checkups and cleanings can help you avoid gum disease, but we’re always prepared to help you treat your symptoms in case it does develop. If you notice your gums becoming sensitive, red, painful, or inflamed, give our dental office a call!
As a bacterial infection that attacks the soft oral tissues inside your mouth, gum disease can begin as a reversible condition known as gingivitis. With frequent cleanings and good at-home oral habits, gums can improve; however, when bacteria are left to spread, it can result in periodontitis, which causes gum pockets to form and potential bone and tooth loss. Without timely treatment, the situation can worsen and negatively affect your entire body.
While it is possible to live with gum disease and not know it, there are distinct symptoms that you can be on the lookout for should you be concerned about the state of your oral health. These include:
Treating gum disease requires a thorough examination by our trusted team of professionals. Based on our periodontal charting and digital imaging, we can diagnose the severity of your gum disease and prepare a plan that includes how proposed plan of attack. This might include:
Considered to be the standard for periodontal therapy, scaling and root planing are proven to remove harmful plaque from above and below the gum line as well as prevent the gums from receding further. Scaling involves breaking down and flushing plaque and tartar, while root planing involves smoothing out the tooth roots so they can reattach to the gums. Most scaling and root planing treatments are performed over the course of several appointments.
Learn More About Scaling & Root Planing
If you need periodontal therapy, it’s important to note that patients should visit our dental office every three to four months for treatment. Not only is it impossible to perform all steps of your treatment in a single appointment, but it gives us a chance to confirm that treatment is working effectively. If we need to take additional or alternative steps to reduce your gum disease symptoms, we’ll modify our treatment accordingly.
In addition to your periodontal therapy, our dental office may also perform antibiotic therapy to reduce the symptoms of your gum infection. This gel, also known as Arestin, is an antibacterial agent that is placed in between teeth, specifically inside the periodontal pockets that form as a result of gum disease. This treatment is typically performed in addition to scaling and root planing, rather than as a standalone treatment.
Did you know that nearly half of Americans over the age of 30 have advanced periodontitis? It’s even more common for adults over 65. So, needless to say, if you have gum disease, you’re far from being alone. Still, it’s important to get treated for this condition, which you may not know much about. Keep reading to get answers to some of the most common questions about periodontal therapy and to learn how Dr. Fromuth can give you a strong smile again! Then, request an appointment and start your journey toward wellness.
Early on, gum disease (or gingivitis) shows up as red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If you’re not paying attention, gingivitis can be easy to overlook. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, the gums begin to recede or pull back from the teeth, exposing the more sensitive tooth roots. You may also notice a consistent foul smell and/or taste in your mouth. At more advanced stages, gum disease weakens the foundational jawbone holding teeth in place, making teeth more unstable. In a nutshell, the sooner you seek our help, the better!
Like other oral health issues, gum disease is caused by the accumulation of bacteria in plaque. When allowed to build up and settle near the gumline, these bacteria produce acids that irritate and inflame the gum tissue, leading to an infection. That’s why keeping plaque to a minimum is very important!
Untreated gum disease can have many significant effects on your health. In terms of your smile, gum disease eventually degrades the supporting jawbone, making teeth loose and even come out entirely. Plus, studies have repeatedly found that people with gum disease are at a much higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, Alzheimer’s, and more. By avoiding gum disease completely or treating it as soon as possible, you can keep inflammation from exacerbating other problems throughout your body.
Through treatments like the Arestin therapy and scaling and root planing, we can eliminate harmful, inflammation-causing bacteria in your mouth. However, there is no one-time, permanent cure for gum disease unfortunately. Without proper maintenance after periodontal therapy, gum disease can return. On the other hand, with consistent daily oral hygiene and regular visits to our office, you can keep gum disease under control and prevent the negative outcomes of gum disease.