We are open - safety is our top priority!
How Can Periodontal Disease Affect Your Dental Health?
Periodontal disease, which is commonly called gum disease, is an inflammation or infection of the gum tissue that surrounds teeth and helps to hold them in place. The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis and this is the only stage that is reversible. You can find treatment for gum disease in New Castle at our dental care practice. Our dentists have the training and experience to provide several types of gum disease treatment.
What Is Gingivitis Caused By?
Gingivitis is typically caused by improper oral hygiene. Failing to brush and floss on a regular basis can leave a sticky film of plaque on your teeth. Over time, this plaque hardens into tartar, which irritates your gums. If you don’t receive dental treatment, the condition can worsen into severe periodontal disease. If left untreated, periodontal disease can loosen the ligaments holding your teeth in place. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in people over the age of 35.
What Are Common Gum Disease Symptoms?
Many times, gum disease (periodontal disease) has no symptoms until it’s in more advanced stages. Other times, the symptoms of gum disease may include:
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Gums that are sensitive, red, and swollen
- Bad breath
- A persistent odd taste in your mouth
What Are the Main Signs of Gum Disease?
During a dental examination, the following symptoms indicate to a dentist that you have some level of gum disease:
- Gums that pull away from your teeth
- Swelling and redness of your gums
- Gaps between your teeth
- Loose teeth
- Red, swollen areas at the base of the gums
- Pus between the teeth and gums
What Are the Stages of Gum Disease?
There are different levels of gum disease that harm your dental health. By being aware of gum disease symptoms and the specifics of each stage, you’ll know when you need to see a dentist for treatment.
Gingivitis
This is the first stage of gum disease. The main signs of gingivitis include bleeding when brushing or flossing your teeth, but with little or no pain. As soon as you notice any of these signs of gingivitis, you need to see a dentist for gingivitis treatment to increase your chance of reversing gum disease. Our knowledgeable dentists can detect the early gingivitis symptoms and provide you with effective gingivitis treatment that will lead to a gingivitis cure. Please don’t ignore any signs of gingivitis, because without gingivitis treatment, your gingivitis symptoms will only worsen and lead to a more severe stage of periodontal disease known as periodontitis.
Periodontitis
If you ignore your gingivitis symptoms and don’t get treatment, the gum disease can progress to the point that you develop a more serious stage of periodontal disease called periodontitis. When this occurs, there is irreversible damage to the bone and tissues that keep your teeth securely in place. In periodontitis, the main signs are deep pockets that form along your gum line and trap plaque and food particles. These particles are full of bacteria that can make the disease quickly worsen.
Advanced Periodontitis
The most serious stage of gum disease is called advanced periodontitis. At this point, the tissues and bones surrounding your teeth have been completely destroyed, which can cause your to teeth to shift, become loose, or simply fall out. To prevent suffering from these serious consequences, you need to regularly see a dentist who can detect possible problems early and provide you with immediate treatment.
How Can Gingivitis Be Cured?
Early detection is the fastest and simplest path to a gingivitis cure. Detecting gum disease at an early stage allows you to get the treatment you need. This treatment usually includes professional teeth cleaning, which may include removing bacteria slightly below the gum line, and a stringent oral hygiene regimen. To take the steps toward early detection, call our practice to schedule a dental exam today.
What Is Involved in Treating Advanced Periodontitis?
The types of treatment required for periodontal disease that has progressed beyond gingivitis and can include a technique called scaling and root planing beneath the gum line, antibiotics, and antibacterial mouthwashes. You may be referred to a specialist known as a periodontist or require gum surgery. Please call our office today to arrange a convenient dental appointment.
Is Reversing Gum Disease Possible?
Yes, you can increase your chance of reversing gum disease by catching it early. To find a dentist who treats gum disease in New Castle, call our dental practice today at (302) 352-2321.
CareCredit
CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed for your health and wellness needs. Pay for the costs of many treatments and procedures through convenient monthly payments.
