When you think of the most common health issues in America, you might not think of gum disease. However, it’s one of the more universal health problems among adults in the U.S. According to the National Institutes of Health, a whopping 42% of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease. The good news is that gum disease is completely reversible and manageable if you catch it early. That’s why it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms of gum disease so you can take swift action to prevent the disease from progressing further.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease occurs when the tissue and bone supporting your teeth become infected. This usually results from poor oral hygiene, but certain genetic factors and lifestyle choices can make you more susceptible. Gum disease is known as gingivitis in its earliest stage. If allowed to develop, it will turn into periodontitis, or periodontal disease. Further progression will lead to advanced periodontitis, where the disease eventually reaches the point of no return and is the world’s leading cause of tooth loss.
However, gum disease can be prevented and reversed in the earliest stages with proper oral hygiene. Brushing twice, flossing daily, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash, and attending regular dental checkups will keep gingivitis at bay. In more serious cases, we have advanced treatments that can more thoroughly clean your teeth and underneath your gums. The sooner we catch gum disease, the more likely we are to be able to reverse its symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
Contact Dr. Gregory Zirakian at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center immediately if you notice any of the following:
- Bleeding gums, especially after brushing or flossing
- Extremely red or purple gums
- Soreness or sensitivity in the teeth
- Constant bad breath
- Gum recession or loose teeth
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease will progress steadily if left untreated. If you think you may have gum disease but aren’t sure which stage, check to see if these symptoms sound familiar.
- Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage and the most easily reversible. It’s usually characterized by red, puffy, or bleeding gums; contact Dr. Zirakian immediately if you notice blood in the sink after brushing or flossing. A regular dental cleaning and proper oral hygiene are usually enough to halt gingivitis in its tracks.
- Mild to moderate periodontitis: If you allow bacteria to spread underneath your gums, your gingivitis will progress to periodontitis. The untreated plaque and bacteria will harden into tartar, which you can’t remove by brushing alone. Your gums will begin to pull away from your teeth, creating periodontal pockets, and you may see pus form on the gum line. You’ll need more advanced dental treatments such as scaling and root planing to treat this stage of the disease.
- Advanced periodontitis: At this level, the disease isn’t treated as much as it’s managed. The bone and tissue surrounding your teeth will continue to deteriorate, eventually leading to tooth loss. If not managed, the infection will continue to spread to surrounding areas.
Treatment Options
At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, we offer several gum disease treatment options to deal with the various stages of the disease.
- Regular dental cleaning: In the earliest stages, a dental cleaning can reverse the effects of gum disease and put your oral health back on track.
- Scaling and root planing: This deeper cleaning targets plaque and bacteria beneath the gums. Dr. Zirakian will scale the plaque from your teeth and smooth the roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth.
- Medication: In certain cases, we can prescribe medication to target the bacteria causing the infection.
- Bone grafting: If you’ve already lost some bone around the tooth, a bone graft can act as a placeholder until your body can regenerate its bone density.
If You Have Symptoms of Gum Disease, Schedule an Appointment Today
Early detection and action are the most important aspects of treating gum disease. The earlier you seek treatment, the higher your chance of not suffering any permanent effects. If you notice any of the symptoms of gum disease, schedule an appointment with East Longmeadow Family Dental Center immediately. Dr. Zirakian and our entire team are here to help treat gum disease and get your oral health moving in the right direction once again.
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