Do your gums bleed constantly? Do they cause you tooth pain and other dental issues? Doctors estimate that 75% of American adults have some form of gum disease. Gum disease is a serious dental concern because the condition has strong links to other medical issues such as heart disease and diabetes. Healthy gums provide the foundation for healthy teeth!
Dr. Chambers considers the prevention of gum disease an important facet of restorative dental care in her Lexington, KY dental office. She makes it a point to visually check for gum disease during every dental appointment. If she finds signs of this silent disease, she will recommend treatments and give at-home steps to alleviate the symptoms. Continue reading to learn more about gum disease and how we can help you address bleeding gums at Complete Dentistry For All Ages.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a common dental condition that affects many adults. It manifests in the form of bleeding gums, swollen or tender gums, receding gums and bad breath. The good news is that gum disease is entirely preventable. You can take steps to keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, limiting sugary drinks and maintaining proper nutrition.
Periodontal disease is a common oral health issue and the next stage of gum disease. It occurs when plaque buildup on your teeth is left unchecked. Plaque and bacteria eat away at your teeth and gums causing an infection in the area that holds your teeth in place.
Bad oral habits contribute to the development of this preventable disease. Brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist at least two times a year will certainly prevent periodontal disease.
Common signs of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen or sore gums
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Mouth sores or pus between gums and teeth
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Changes in the fit of dentures
Periodontal Therapy from Dr. Morgan Chambers
Dr. Chambers provides periodontal therapy to treat the various stages of gum disease. She and her team will recommend appropriate gum disease treatment after a thorough exam. Treatment will vary from individual to individual, and will depend on the stage of gum disease present.
If you have early signs of gum disease, known as gingivitis, she may recommend more frequent dental cleanings to restore your gums to optimal health. If you need more intensive treatment, Dr. Chambers may recommend a deep tooth cleaning, or scaling and root planing.
During this procedure, the dentist or hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the deep pockets of your gums. Modern dentistry allows us to provide pain-free periodontal therapy treatments upon request. Patients who have advanced signs of gum disease may require more intense treatment like oral surgery and gum grafts. In these cases, Dr. Chambers may help coordinate treatment with a local periodontist.
Gum Disease FAQs
Do you want to know more about gum disease? Learn more below.
What if I don’t get my bleeding gums fixed?
Since bleeding gums is a sign of periodontal disease, you open up yourself to more risk of getting infections, oral cancer, and losing teeth. Sometimes your gums bleed because you brush your teeth too hard, but it’s not always the case. Visit your dentist to find the exact cause of your bleeding gums.
Will gum disease go away on its own?
No. A disease will keep eating away at its host. Gum disease is no different. Gum disease is a chronic condition that will not improve without treatment. If you have constant infections and a place for harmful bacteria to thrive, your issue won’t go away on its own.
The only way to get rid of it is to see a dentist and have them do what they can to treat it. They may recommend scaling and root planing or deep cleaning the teeth, as well as removing tartar from the teeth with a dental scaler or ultrasonic device.
Is periodontal therapy covered by dental insurance?
Some dental insurance plans can cover part or all of your periodontal treatments. Since periodontal therapy is necessary to maintain oral health, it should not be an elective procedure. You must contact your specific insurance provider to make sure they will cover the costs. We are also more than happy to confirm on your behalf.
Does periodontal therapy hurt?
No. You can think of periodontal therapy like a dental massage for your gums and teeth. You should not feel pain during treatment. Your dentist will numb your mouth using a local anesthetic so that you do not feel any discomfort.
Receive Gum Treatment Today
If you think you may have gum disease but are not sure, visit our office for diagnosis and treatment. Never assume a diagnosis without seeing a medical professional first. Call our dental care office at 859-251-3809 today. Our team at Complete Dentistry For All Ages is ready to help you fight gum disease and restore your oral health.