We tend to pay more attention to our teeth than our gums. But our gum health is an inherent part of your oral health, and directly affects the appearance of your smile. Excellent brushing and flossing, proper diet, and good general health will keep your gums healthy and strong. Occasionally, patients find that their gums are ailing. Our dentists offer periodontal treatment alongside general dentistry for ongoing care.
Gingivitis and Periodontitis
When your periodontium is unhealthy, your teeth don’t enjoy their usual stability. It’s vital that you keep your periodontal tissues in fighting shape, lest you jeopardize your oral health. When plaque is allowed to gather on your gums, they will become inflamed. This first step of gum disease is called gingivitis, and it can progress. Should the plaque persist, inflammation will become infection (periodontal disease), and could lead to eventual tooth loss. The best step to take against periodontitis is paying close attention to what your gums are telling you, so that you may take action before problems are insurmountable.
Signs of Periodontal Disease
Keep an eye out for gingivitis or periodontal disease by looking for any of the following:
- Reddened gums
- Bleeding gums or gums that bleed easily
- Chronic bad breath
- Pockets forming between teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
- Changes in tooth position or bite
Any one of these signs is an indication that something is changing in your mouth, and that it should be checked out.
Comprehensive Periodontal Treatment at Maryland Family Dentistry
It’s possible to combat periodontal disease, but it requires vigilant attention and care. As soon as you sense a problem, get in touch with our office to schedule an exam. Once we have determined the extent of your gum disease, we will pursue the appropriate course of treatment. This will typically involve a deep teeth cleaning, during which your tooth roots and gums will be cleaned of plaque. Known as scaling and root planing, these procedures physically explore the diseased areas to remove harmful bacteria. Local antibiotics accompany deep cleaning to keep periodontal pockets healthy.
Should the gum disease be too severe for treatment by deep cleaning, the problem may require periodontal surgery or tooth extraction. Avoid these steps by getting in touch with our office at the moment you suspect there’s a problem with your gums.
