Non-Surgical Treatments To Help With Gums

Gum disease is a common condition that is typically diagnosed during a regular dental checkup. It can impact your teeth and jawbone if it is left untreated.

Going to the dentist can help you learn more about gum disease, the symptoms, and the options for gum disease treatment.

Do you want to learn how a family dentist can treat gum disease and why it makes the most sense to visit a family dentist? Keep reading!

What is Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the most common concerns for a patient’s oral health. It is commonly known as periodontitis and damages the soft tissues in your mouth.

Periodontal disease and gingivitis are some of the most common reasons that people experience receding or bleeding gums. As this disease progresses, it can lead to tooth pain, tenderness, and swollen gums.

Gum disease is typically caused by poor oral health habits. If you fail to brush and floss your teeth regularly, it can lead to gum sensitivity and degradation.

This is because failing to brush and floss leads to built-up bacteria between the teeth and gum line in your mouth, which will eventually destroy the gums and teeth.

Gum disease can also be caused by certain medications, illnesses, and even hormonal changes.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Learning to recognize the symptoms and signs of gum disease can help you get an accurate diagnosis and start treatment before the condition worsens.

Sometimes, gum disease can progress without any pain and with very few signs. However, there are some common things that many people with gum disease experience.

First, you will find that your gums are sensitive and more likely to bleed. If you notice bleeding in your mouth after flossing or brushing your teeth, this could be a sign of gum disease.

Similarly, if you have red, swollen, and receding gums, this may mean that you have gum disease. Gums are supposed to be firm and a lighter pink colour.

Lastly, you may have gum disease if you have persistent bad breath or have a bad taste in your mouth. This symptom is due to the excess bacteria in your mouth.

Stages of Gum Disease

There are many stages of gum disease, with the symptoms typically worsening as the disease progresses without treatment.

The first stage of gum disease is Gingivitis. This leads to inflammation around the gums. It also makes your gums easy to irritate and can lead to bleeding or swollen gums. In this stage, you must remove plaque to prevent it from progressing.

Next, you may experience early periodontitis. In this stage, the gums begin to recede and pull away from the teeth. This leads to deeper pockets in your gums that make it easier for bacteria, food, and plaque to collect.

It may even lead to bone damage.

The moderate and advanced periodontitis stages happen as the symptoms become more severe. You will find that more bone is lost in your mouth, your teeth begin to loosen or fall out and the gums continue to recede.

In these later stages of gum disease, you may have abscesses or infections that spread beneath your gums as well.

How Can a Family Dentist Help?

When you visit your family dentist, they can help you identify the first signs of gum disease and provide an accurate diagnosis. Still, what can your family dentist do when you are diagnosed with gum disease?

Here are some of the top treatments you can expect for gum disease from the best family dentist.

Scaling

One of the most common ways to combat gum disease is through a process called scaling. This is a common procedure often performed by a dental hygienist at your cleaning every six months.

Scaling is done with a special tool that allows your dentist to scrape plaque and tartar from your teeth and near your gum line. Removing this bacteria can prevent gum disease from progressing.

Root Planing

Root planing is another common treatment for gum disease that your family dentist will provide. It is often done at the same time as scaling and is a process that smooths the surfaces of your roots.

Because root planing smooths your roots, it removes any rough spots that commonly harbor bacteria.

If you have serious gum disease, root planing can speed up your healing and prevent tooth decay from spreading.

Antibiotics

Finally, you may require medication to treat your gum disease. Antibiotics can help you kill the bacteria that is thriving in your mouth and prevent it from causing worse damage to your gums.

Your dentist may also prescribe topical medications that will kill the bacteria from developing near your gums.

Typically, medication is only used for more serious periodontitis cases.

What to Expect From Your Visit?

If you go to a periodontist for your gum disease treatment, it is important that you know what to expect.

You will first start with a review of your dental and medical history. Then, your dentist will perform a periodontal exam to look at the health of your gums and to identify the stage of your gum disease.

They will look for gum recession, loss of bone, and more.

Your periodontist may also use a probe to measure how deep the pockets in your gums are. Once they have made a diagnosis, they will discuss the treatment options with you and schedule a follow-up appointment.

 Learn More About How to Treat Gum Disease

Learning more about gum disease is essential to protect your oral health and recognize the signs and symptoms of gum disease. If you are worried about gum disease, learning how to treat gum disease can help you prepare for your visit to the dentist.

If you need help choosing a dentist to treat your gum disease, Blue Haven Dental can help! We provide a sensitive approach to treating receding and bleeding gums and can help you find instant relief.

Contact us today to book an appointment for your gum disease treatment.