What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is primarily a bacterial infection in the gums, usually caused by inadequate dental hygiene that allows plaque to accumulate around the teeth. Initial symptoms include redness, swelling, and gum recession. Without proper treatment, the condition can worsen, causing gums to bleed, teeth to loosen, and potentially leading to tooth loss.
What leads to gum disease?
The culprit behind gum disease is plaque accumulation. While the term “plaque” is commonly known, many people do not fully understand why it’s harmful. Plaque is a sticky film composed of bacteria, and if not regularly cleaned, it can harden and lead to gum inflammation and deterioration.
Plaque is essentially a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on the teeth when dental hygiene is neglected. This bacterial layer can damage both the gums and teeth, often leading to infections.
The most effective way to prevent plaque buildup is by practicing consistent and thorough dental hygiene, which includes regular brushing and flossing. Additionally, having your teeth professionally cleaned on a routine basis can help manage plaque more effectively.
Do I have gum disease?
Gum disease, unfortunately, is quite common, affecting nearly half of adults over 30. Often, individuals are unaware they have gum disease until it reaches a more severe stage that causes them discomfort. Recognising the early signs can help with early detection and treatment.
The first indication of gum disease is typically inflammation. If your gums appear red and swollen, it’s advisable to book a consultation with our office immediately.
Additional signs to look out for include:
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums that are tender to the touch
- Discomfort while chewing
- Gums that have begun to pull away from your teeth
How We Treat Gum Disease
Treatment approaches for gum disease depend on the stage of the infection and are all available at our Sarasota dental clinic. Here are some typical treatments we offer:
Non-Advanced Gum Disease Treatment
- Antibiotics: These are used to reduce inflammation and treat mild infections, and may be prescribed as topical or oral medications.
- Scaling: This procedure involves removing plaque from around the teeth and below the gum line using specialized dental tools.
- Root Planing: Also known as deep cleaning, this method cleans below the deeper gum line to remove plaque.
Advanced Gum Disease Treatment:
Pocket Reduction Surgery
This surgery involves peeling back the gums to eliminate tartar deposits, then reattaching the gums to prevent future build-up.
Soft Tissue Graft
If gum recession is severe, a graft using tissue from the roof of the mouth may be performed to cover exposed roots.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
This technique is used when the bone supporting the teeth is damaged, often alongside pocket reduction surgery, to promote the growth of bone and tissue.
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
If gum disease is not treated, it can cause tooth loss and, in severe cases, the infection may spread to the bone that supports the teeth, causing significant damage. Prolonged infection can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, a dangerous condition that could be life-threatening and requires urgent medical care.
Gum disease is occurs quite frequently, affecting nearly half of all adults over 30 and an astonishing 70% of those over 65!
If gum disease is caught early, it can be completely treated. However, if it turns into periodontal disease, treatment can stop the infection but the damage to gums and tissues is irreversible.
The most common early sign of gum disease is red, puffy gums. If you’re gums feel tender and look a little swollen and irritated, contact our Sarasota office as soon as possible to schedule your consultation.
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