Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth and gums? You may have gingivitis. Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is a common dental problem patients have if they do not properly care for their smiles. While gingivitis is reversible, it can quickly develop into gum disease.
Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a destructive infection caused by harmful bacteria that break down the gum tissue. These bacteria feed on sugars and starches in the mouth and build between teeth. Patients who develop gum disease require restorative dental care to renew the health and comfort of their smiles.
Signs of Gum Disease
We will look at the signs and symptoms before recommending periodontal disease treatment in our Port Charlotte, FL office. Symptoms of gingivitis and periodontitis can include:
- Bleeding gums
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gum recession
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Change in your bite
Multiple risk factors can increase the risk of developing gum disease:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking or using tobacco products
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Medications
- Genetics
Contact us if you notice any symptoms of periodontitis or are at risk of developing gum disease. We will thoroughly examine your smile and determine the right treatment to meet your needs.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease develops in multiple stages:
- Gingivitis: During gingivitis, the gum tissue is inflamed and swollen. Dental cleanings and a good at-home oral hygiene routine can reverse gingivitis.
- Early Periodontitis: Patients notice increased inflammation, plaque, and calculus buildup during this stage.
- Established or Moderate Periodontitis: Patients with moderate periodontitis have gums that easily bleed and experience soreness and bad breath.
- Advanced Periodontitis permanently damages the gums, teeth, and underlying bone. Patients with advanced periodontitis may experience loose teeth, deep gum pockets, and chronic gum pain. Professional intervention is required to save patients’ teeth.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Port Charlotte, FL
Sometimes, gum disease progresses so that preventative dental cleanings are not enough. When this occurs, we recommend Scaling and Root Planing (or “Deep Cleaning”), a non-surgical gum therapy our hygienist performs. Our hygienist, certified in local anesthesia, will numb the affected areas and debride the roots to create a healthy surface for healing.
Scaling and root planing are the best treatments for mild to moderate gum disease. These treatments remove plaque and tartar from the gums and tooth roots. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can harden to form tartar or calculus. It can be difficult to remove tartar from the gums at home, which is why we recommend routine cleanings, scaling, and root planing for patients with gum disease.
During a scaling treatment, we use stainless steel metal tools to remove plaque and tartar on and underneath the gums. Then, we will remove hardened plaque from the tooth roots during root planing. We will also place antibacterial medication in the gum pockets to prevent reinfection. Some patients may require routine scaling and root planing to keep chronic gum disease in check and prevent long-term gum damage.
Periodontal Surgery
When scaling and root planing is not enough, sometimes surgical options are the only way to restore health to your gums and underlying structures. We offer surgical gum therapy, allowing us to thoroughly debride the teeth and roots and place bone grafts as necessary.
Treat Gum Disease Today
Have you noticed gum problems? Contact your local Port Charlotte dentist, Dr. Rosado, today at 941-629-4311. You may also schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Rosado online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common signs and symptoms of periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a prevalent condition that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. Understanding its signs and symptoms is crucial for early detection and effective management. The most common symptoms include red, swollen, or tender gums, which may bleed easily, especially during brushing or flossing.
You might also notice persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth, even after brushing. As the disease progresses, gums may recede or pull away from the teeth, creating pockets. Loose or shifting teeth can also be a sign of advanced periodontal disease.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional evaluation and treatment to prevent further complications.
What treatment options are available for periodontal (gum) disease?
At Sun Smile Dentistry in Port Charlotte, Dr. Ariosto Rosado offers a range of treatment options tailored to the severity of your periodontal disease. The initial stage of treatment often involves a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. This non-surgical approach removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, smoothing the root surfaces to prevent future buildup.
In more advanced cases, surgical interventions such as flap surgery or bone and tissue grafts may be necessary to restore damaged tissues and bone. Dr. Rosado also emphasizes the importance of ongoing maintenance through regular dental check-ups and cleanings to monitor your gum health and prevent recurrence. Each treatment plan is personalized to ensure optimal outcomes for your oral health.
Is periodontal disease reversible with professional treatment?
The reversibility of periodontal disease largely depends on its stage. In its early form, known as gingivitis, the condition is indeed reversible. Professional treatment, combined with improved oral hygiene practices, can restore gum health and eliminate the disease.
However, once periodontal disease progresses beyond gingivitis into the more severe stages, it becomes a chronic condition. While it may not be entirely reversible, professional treatment can effectively manage and control the disease, preventing further damage and maintaining your gum health.
Regular dental visits and adherence to Dr. Rosado’s recommendations are key to managing periodontal disease and preserving your smile.
What can I do at home to help manage periodontal disease after treatment?
Managing periodontal disease after treatment requires a proactive approach to oral hygiene and lifestyle changes. At home, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and use an interdental cleaner, such as floss or a water flosser, to remove plaque from between your teeth and under the gum line.
Consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria in your mouth. It’s also important to maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support gum health and avoid tobacco products, which can exacerbate periodontal disease.
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings at Sun Smile Dentistry are crucial for monitoring your progress and catching any signs of recurrence early. Dr. Rosado and his team will provide personalized advice and support to help you maintain healthy gums and a confident smile.