What are Some Gum Disease Treatments?
Gum disease is a progressive condition, which means that many times people are unaware that they have gum disease until it has already progressed to the point where it is causing more significant damage to your oral health. It is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist or periodontist if you notice any of these symptoms.
- Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing
- Receded gums
- Swollen, red or tender gums
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Chronic halitosis
- Pain or discomfort while chewing
- Change in feel of your bite
- Change in fit of partial dentures (if applicable)
- Loosened teeth
Although these are common signs of gum disease, the only way to determine if you have gum disease for certain is to schedule an appointment with your dentist or periodontist. During this appointment, they will evaluate your gums and teeth and measure the depth of your gum pockets. Healthy gums should be 3mm or less. If the depth of your pockets are greater than 4mm, this will indicate that you have gum disease.
Treatment Options for Different Stages of Gum Disease
In the early stage of gum disease, a scale and root planing is often effective in halting and reversing the issue. A scale and root planing procedure addresses gum disease by removing plaque that has mineralized below your gum line and on the surfaces of your teeth using special dental instruments. Once removed, the surfaces of the tooth and roots are smoothed or planed, which inhibits the ability of new bacteria to grow and gives your gums time to heal. In many cases, a scale and root planing procedure followed by improved self-care and frequent oral checkups will be sufficient in halting or reversing the effects of gum disease. In more severe cases, additional procedures may be necessary, like a gum graft or Pinhole Surgical Technique to correct recessed gums, tooth extraction to remove teeth that have been damaged beyond repair, and/or dental implants to replace teeth that have fallen out due to advanced gum disease.
Although there are several treatment options to address gum disease, the best thing you can do to reduce your risk of developing gum disease and other oral health issues is to practice good oral hygiene and schedule regular oral checkups at least every six months. Following good oral hygiene habits means brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once a day. It also means following a healthy diet and avoiding or limiting sugary foods and beverages or starchy foods.
Additional steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing gum disease include using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and if you are at an increased risk of developing gum disease, scheduling regular examinations with greater frequency. Although no one wants to have gum disease, it is important to be aware of common signs that may indicate an underlying issue and address those issues as quickly as possible. Provided you follow these best practices, you will lower your risk of developing gum disease and continue to enjoy a bright, healthy smile!
More on Gum Disease : What is Gum Disease?
