Periodontal (gum) disease is a prevalent issue that many adults in America face. When our gums suffer from decay and disease, more than just our oral health is affected. Blood vessels and nerves in the soft tissues of your gums connect your mouth to your entire body. If you have gum disease in Lexington, KY, you could be at a greater risk for heart disease or other medical complications. Treating periodontal disease as soon as possible is often the best way to preserve your health.
Stages of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease can start out small and get progressively worse over time. At the early stage of gingivitis, gums can appear red and swollen and will likely start to bleed while brushing or flossing. If treated at this stage, gum disease can often be reversed. If, however, you advance to periodontitis, deep pockets start to form around your teeth as your gums recede. There’s no way to regrow gum tissue. If you have advanced periodontitis, you’ll likely need continued treatment to protect your oral health.
Antibacterial Treatment
Very early stages of gum disease are generally the best-case scenario. Most of the time, you won’t even actively notice when it starts. Through routine cleanings, however, your dentist can often identify the early warning signs of disease. Adding an antibacterial wash or rinse to your oral hygiene routine can often help clear up periodontal disease and prevent worsening conditions.
Scaling and Root Planing
As the disease starts to worsen, you may need more invasive treatment. Scaling and root planing is a form of deep cleaning that could help clean your gums and prevent further infection. During this intensive cleaning appointment, your dentist will use specialized tools to clean deep into the gum line around your teeth. Combined with improved at-home oral hygiene, a deep cleaning could treat gingivitis and help you keep your gums healthy.
Oral Surgery
When periodontal disease leads to gum recession, a deep cleaning may not be enough to help preserve your teeth. In some cases of advanced periodontitis, patients may need oral surgery or gum grafting to help restore their oral health. Your dentist will coordinate care with a local surgeon to ensure you get the treatment you need. After gum disease has been treated, however, you’ll likely need routine periodontal maintenance appointments to help maintain the health and safety of your gums.
If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, gum disease is a likely culprit. At Complete Dentistry, we believe that healthy gums lead to healthy smiles. Call us today at 859-251-3809 to schedule a consultation and see if you need periodontal therapy.