A Patient's Guide to Gum Disease
Gum disease is a common problem that dentists see in children, young adults, and older adults alike. With regular teeth cleaning from your dentist and proper hygiene at home, gum disease is completely preventable. If you happen to develop gum disease, the good news is that it is easy to treat in its earliest stages. Read on to learn how to recognize and deal with gum disease.
Gum Disease Symptoms
Gum disease first presents as gingivitis. This is the earliest stage and should be addressed before it can progress. Left untreated, gingivitis will turn into periodontal disease which is more severe and more difficult to treat. Symptoms of gingivitis include swollen or tender gums, gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing, and bad breath
Sometimes, you may not have noticeable or troublesome symptoms with gingivitis. That is why your semi-annual teeth cleaning with your dentist is so important. He or she can recognize the signs of early gum disease and advise you on home oral health habits to reverse the problems.
When gum disease progresses into periodontitis, you may experience the above symptoms in addition to gums that begin to recede from the teeth and teeth that begin to feel loose. Severe periodontitis can ultimately result in tooth loss and irreparable bone damage.
Gum Disease Treatments
Treatment for gingivitis is relatively simple. Your dentist will advise you to be extra diligent in proper brushing and flossing at home. He or she may recommend that you come for more frequent teeth cleanings for a few months to be sure that things are under control.
Treatment for more advanced gum disease must be more aggressive and may include procedures such as root scaling and planing, gum surgery, or even dental implants if tooth loss is unavoidable.
Call (888) 803-3767 to make an appointment with Dr. Charles Mark, D.D.S. and Dental Associates and avoid the complications that come with advanced gum disease. We also offer services such as teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry procedures. Contact us today.
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