With well over 50% of Americans having some form of gum disease, it’s one of the most common oral health conditions. It’s the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States and has also been linked to an increased risk of serious health issues, including stroke, diabetes, respiratory infections, and heart disease. Thankfully, if it’s caught early enough, gum disease in Covington can be treated and symptoms can be reversed. Read on to learn which stages of gum disease can be cured and which ones will cause permanent damage.
Symptoms of Gingivitis
When sugars and starches from the foods we eat interact with oral bacteria, this causes plaque to form on your teeth and around your gumline. The bacteria may then begin to attack your gum tissue, which can cause an infection to develop. This infection is known as gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is the only stage of gum disease that can be cured. For that reason, it’s essential to look out for these warning signs:
- Gums that bleed easily, especially when flossing or brushing
- Puffy, bright red, or inflamed gums.
- Chronic bad breath.
Treatments for Gingivitis
If improved oral hygiene isn’t enough to manage symptoms at home, your dentist will administer treatment in the form of periodontal therapy. This may come in the form of scaling and root planing, a method in which the bacteria beneath your gumline is thoroughly cleaned out to eliminate the infection. The roots of your teeth are then smoothed out to discourage future infections and encourage gum tissue to reattach to the teeth.
Symptoms of Periodontitis
Left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis. At this stage, the bacteria has started to attack the jawbone, which causes permanent damage and symptoms like:
- Gums recession that forms deep pockets in front of the teeth
- Swelling, soreness, and discharge from the gums
- Loose teeth that may fall out
Treatments for Periodontitis
Periodontitis can’t be reversed, but there are treatments that can help manage symptoms. Your dentist may refer you to a gum specialist, who will likely suggest treatments like prescription mouthwash, jawbone or gum grafting, or surgical services.
The Chao Pinhole Technique can also be used to restore the health and position of the gum line. With this method, a pin-sized hole is placed in the gums, and a special tool is used to gently stretch and massage the gums back into place.
A PerioChip may also be used to manage the infection. This chip is smaller than a grain of rice and is placed directly into a pocket where it releases an antibiotic 24 hours a day for a week. This allows the medicine to reach all parts of the pocket to kill harmful bacteria.
Tips for Preventing Gum Disease
Your best defense against gum disease is to prevent it from developing in the first place. That can be done by:
- Brushing for two minutes twice a day
- Flossing once per day
- Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash daily
- Cutting back sweets
- Eating a nutritious diet high in vitamin C
- Getting checkups twice a year
If you notice symptoms of gum disease, see your dentist right away. Early detection and effective treatment can help keep your gums and smile healthy and happy.
About the Practice
If you live in Covington, Conyers, or Porterdale and need treatment for gum disease, Dean Dental Care is here to help. Dr. Stephen Dean and his team can help detect signs of gum disease before they get too bad and reverse their effects to get your smile back on track. To schedule an appointment with Dean Dental Care or for more information on gum disease prevention, visit their website or call their office at (770) 786-3915.