Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a serious condition affecting the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Because gum disease won’t clear up on its own, it can lead to tooth loss and other serious health issues if left untreated. Fortunately, dentists have gum disease treatments that can help stop it from progressing. That’s why seeing the dentist as quickly as possible is important if you may be suffering from gum disease. This article from Penn Dental Medicine at PHMC Public Health Campus on Cedar explains what you need to know about the condition and what you can expect if you receive the diagnosis from your dentist.
Get the Facts: Early Signs of Gum Disease, Treatment, and More
Understanding the causes and symptoms of the disease and its treatment options can help you make well-informed decisions about your care.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease is typically caused by poor oral hygiene, resulting in a buildup of bacteria in the mouth that can lead to periodontitis. Plaque buildup on the teeth can cause bacteria to multiply and irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and periodontal pockets (spaces or openings around the teeth below the gum line) that contain even more bacteria, further damaging the gums and supporting bone. Periodontitis can also be caused by other factors such as smoking, diabetes, and certain medications.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Symptoms you may be experiencing include:
- Gums that are red, swollen, or tender.
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
- Receding gums, which can make teeth appear longer than normal.
- Loose teeth or shifting teeth.
- Pus between the teeth and gums when the gums are pressed.
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see your dentist right away. They’ll assess the health of your gums and determine whether you have periodontal disease.
Are There Stages of Gum Disease?
Gum disease can be broken down into three stages:
The first stage is gingivitis, characterized by inflammation and mild irritation of the gums but no visible loss of tissue or bone. Left untreated, it leads to periodontitis.
The second stage involves the breakdown of tissue and bone that supports the teeth, leading to more serious symptoms such as deep pockets in the gums, infection, and tooth loss.
The third stage is advanced periodontitis, in which the bones supporting the teeth are destroyed and either bone or tissue must be replaced.
How Is Gum Disease Diagnosed?
Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to assess the health of your mouth. They may take X-rays to determine if there is bone damage and how much treatment is needed. Your dentist may also measure the periodontal pockets around the teeth to see how deep the disease goes.
What Gum Disease Treatments Are Available?
Periodontitis treatment options include:
- Scaling and root planing to remove the plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smoothing rough areas on teeth roots to prevent bacteria from clinging to them.
- Antibiotics to help clear up infection and reduce inflammation.
- Surgery to remove bacteria from deep pockets or repair damaged tissue.
Additionally, your dentist may recommend lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or improving your oral hygiene routine.
Can You Get Rid of Gum Disease?
Gum disease can be managed with proper treatment and good oral hygiene, but it is not always possible to reverse the damage that has already happened. Depending on the severity of your condition, your dentist may suggest more aggressive treatments such as surgery to restore damaged tissue or crowns to cover exposed teeth roots. However, even with these treatments, it is important to continue practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly to prevent the gum disease from progressing.
Can You Treat Gum Disease on Your Own?
Unfortunately, home remedies won’t stop the progression of the disease once it’s developed. Following your dentist’s recommended treatment plan is important to remove the infection and keep it from developing further.
However, you can take steps to maintain good oral health and help prevent further infection:
- Brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily to help remove plaque and tartar buildup.
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables to keep your gums healthy.
- Visit the dentist regularly to detect any signs of gum disease early.
Where Can You Go for Gum Disease Treatment?
If you think you may be suffering from periodontitis, it’s critical to see your dentist as quickly as possible to prevent it from worsening and causing bone loss and other complications. You can receive the latest cutting-edge periodontal treatment and compassionate patient care at the state-of-the-art Penn Dental Medicine location at the PHMC Public Health Campus on Cedar (501 S. 54th St.) in Philadelphia. Read more about the low-cost, high-quality care you’ll receive from us here.
When you’re ready to make an appointment at our Penn Dental Medicine at PHMC Public Health Campus on Cedar, please don’t hesitate to call us at 855-887-9229 or complete this form. We look forward to having the opportunity to help you stop gum disease in its tracks!
