What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and the structures supporting your teeth. It typically develops from poor dental hygiene, which allows plaque to accumulate around the teeth. Early signs include redness, swelling, and gum recession. Without timely treatment, gum disease can progress to more severe stages, leading to bleeding gums, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.
What Leads to Gum Disease?
The primary cause of gum disease is plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth when oral hygiene is insufficient. If not removed regularly through brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums and leads to inflammation and eventual gum deterioration.
Consistent dental hygiene, including thorough brushing and flossing, is the best defense against plaque buildup. Regular professional cleanings are also essential for managing plaque and preventing gum disease from progressing.
By maintaining good oral care habits and seeking routine dental check-ups, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing gum disease.
Do I Have Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a common condition, affecting nearly half of adults over 30. Unfortunately, many people are unaware they have it until the disease progresses and causes noticeable discomfort. Recognizing the early warning signs is key to early detection and effective treatment.
The first noticeable symptom is usually gum inflammation. If your gums appear red, swollen, or feel tender, it’s essential to schedule a consultation with our office as soon as possible.
Other Symptoms to Watch For:
- Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing.
- Discomfort or tenderness while chewing.
- Gums that are pulling away or receding from your teeth.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Early intervention is crucial for maintaining your oral health and preventing the condition from worsening.
How We Treat Gum Disease
At our Sarasota dental clinic, we tailor gum disease treatment based on the stage of the condition. From non-invasive therapies to advanced surgical options, we provide comprehensive care to restore and maintain your gum health.
Non-Advanced Gum Disease Treatment
For early stages of gum disease, we focus on controlling the infection and addressing inflammation with these treatments:
- Antibiotics: Used to reduce inflammation and treat mild infections, antibiotics may be prescribed in topical or oral form.
- Scaling: Specialized dental tools are used to remove plaque and tartar from around the teeth and beneath the gum line.
- Root Planing: Also known as deep cleaning, this procedure smooths the root surfaces, removing bacteria and promoting reattachment of the gums to the teeth.
Advanced Gum Disease Treatment
When gum disease progresses, more intensive treatments may be required:
Pocket Reduction Surgery
This procedure involves lifting the gums to remove tartar deposits and reattaching them to prevent further plaque build-up.
Soft Tissue Graft
Severe gum recession may require tissue from the roof of the mouth to cover exposed tooth roots and improve gum health.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Used when bone supporting the teeth is damaged, this technique promotes the regrowth of bone and tissue, often performed alongside pocket reduction surgery.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss and, in severe cases, infection can spread to the bone supporting the teeth, causing extensive damage. Additionally, prolonged infection may allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, posing serious health risks that could become life-threatening if not addressed promptly.
Gum disease is highly prevalent, affecting nearly 50% of adults over 30 and a staggering 70% of individuals over 65. Its widespread nature highlights the importance of routine dental care and early intervention.
When caught in its early stages, gum disease can be completely treated and reversed. However, once it progresses to periodontal disease, treatment can only halt the infection; the damage to gums and supporting tissues becomes permanent.
The earliest sign of gum disease is typically red, swollen gums. If your gums feel tender, appear puffy, or show signs of irritation, it’s important to contact our Sarasota office promptly to schedule a consultation. Early detection is key to effective treatment and preventing progression.
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