How to Prevent and Treat Gum Disease

Gum disease, commonly known as periodontal disease, is a dental infection characterized by tooth loss due to jaw bone recession. The periodontal disease usually escalates from gum inflammation (gingivitis), characterized by bleeding gums. If you experience such symptoms, you can visit Emerson Dental Arts for an extensive dental evaluation and treatment.

Poor dental hygiene is usually the first suspect when it comes to gum disease. If you don’t brush your teeth at least twice a day, plaque will build up on your teeth, and if left untreated, it will lead to tooth loss. Although tooth brushing removes plaque, it can quickly reform and damage the gums.

Gum disease usually starts as gingivitis or gum inflammation. If you don’t treat the problem at this stage, you will develop periodontitis and eventually lose your teeth. After such an occurrence, you will need to replace the missing teeth if you want a functional mouth.

Causes of gum disease

Although the primary cause of gum disease is plaque buildup, people with the following habits and characteristics are at a higher risk of getting the disease:

  • Poor dental hygiene
  • Smoking
  • Chewing tobacco
  •  Hormonal changes
  • Certain prescription medications
  • Certain diseases like diabetes
  • Vitamin C deficiency

Symptoms

  • Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
  • Receding gums
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Bleeding gums during and after brushing your teeth
  • Red and swollen gums       
  • Persistent bad breath or taste in your mouth

Treatment options

When you are diagnosed with gingivitis, you can access dental treatments like professional cleaning to remove the plaque buildup. After that, your dentist will recommend you adhere to daily oral health habits for a healthier mouth.

The most common treatment options for gum disease include surgical and non-surgical treatments. The treatment you receive will depend on the stage of the gum disease. The severity of the disease is also another factor that your dentist will take into consideration.

Non-surgical methods

If surgery is not an option, your dentist will provide you with different non-surgical treatments to get the job done. You will receive medications like antibiotics. Other treatments include scaling and root planing to scrap off the plaque buildup and bite adjustment wherever teeth were shifting.

You can also opt for laser therapy, which offers less bleeding and shorter recovery times and does not affect the healthy surrounding tissue. 

Surgical methods

If gum disease’s effects are severe, you might need surgical treatments to remedy the situation. Your dentist will discuss surgical options such as flap surgery for more effective scaling and root planing, guided tissue regeneration, bone grafting, and soft tissue grafting.

Prevention

To prevent gum disease, you must follow healthy dental hygiene practices. Use toothbrushes with soft bristles and brush your teeth firmly but gently. You can incorporate the following tips into your dental hygiene routine.

  •  Brush your teeth at least daily
  • Floss daily
  • Gargle with mouthwash after toothbrushing
  • Schedule regular dental checkups

You can prevent the development of gum disease if you practice good dental hygiene habits. However, you can visit Emerson Dental Arts for treatment if you have gum disease. You will encounter qualified and experienced staff who offer 24/7 emergency dental care. Call or book an appointment online today.