Periodontal Disease and Treatment

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is the inflammation of the gums and the surrounding tissues. Gum disease is caused by plaque and bacteria buildup at the gum line. If left untreated, it can lead to severe damage to the bones and tissues in the mouth.

When plaque and bacteria aren’t removed, they harden into tartar (also known as calculus), which can only be removed by a dentist. Gum disease is classified according to how far the disease has spread.

• Gingivitis: The mildest form of gum disease, it’s characterized by red and swollen gums that bleed easily.
• Periodontitis: When the infection spreads to the bone, it’s considered periodontitis. This stage of the disease is irreversible and can lead to tooth loss.
• Advanced periodontitis: This stage of gum disease is characterized by pockets or depressions in the gums that jut out.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Some of the most common symptoms of gum disease include the following:

• Red, swollen, tender gums
• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Loose teeth
• Receding gums (gum recession)
• Tenderness when chewing
• Teeth pulling away from the gum line
• Pus around the teeth and gums

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we urge you to contact us today to schedule a dental appointment. We’d like to evaluate your dental health and get you started on a treatment plan.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a condition that occurs when plaque and tartar buildup in your mouth causes your gums to become inflamed and bleed easily. When gum disease is present, you may notice that your gums are red and swollen. You may even experience bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

Plaque and tartar buildup occurs when you aren’t properly cleaning your teeth. It typically grows on your teeth after you eat and, if not removed, hardens into tartar. Plaque and tartar buildup can both be prevented by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. The other causes of gum disease include smoking, genetics, certain medications, poor nutrition, diabetes, and hormonal changes.

How To Prevent Gum Disease?

The best way to prevent gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene at home. Brush and floss your teeth daily, at least once in the morning and once at night. Flossing will remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and around your gums, which will prevent bacteria from accumulating there.

You should also visit our office for regular cleanings and exams. These professional cleanings will remove plaque from areas your toothbrush and floss may have missed and will allow us to detect and treat any gum disease symptoms early before they develop into more serious conditions.

What Is The Treatment For Gum Disease?

Gum disease can usually be treated with a professional cleaning by a dental hygienist. Deep cleaning involves cleaning the gum line, removing plaque from teeth, and polishing the tooth enamel. The process is called scaling and root planing, and oftentimes, this treatment can reverse the effects of gum disease.

The other treatments for gum disease include the following:

• Medication: Antibacterial rinses, medicated toothpaste, and prescription mouth rinses can help treat gum disease.
• Surgery: Surgery may be needed if deep cleaning does not help. Surgery may involve cutting the gums and gums to healthy tissue.
• Bone grafting: This procedure involves using artificial bone or bone from a human donor or from an external source.

Schedule an online appointment or call us at (614) 459-3229 to have a consultation with Dr. Peng and we’ll be able to guide you further.