Protect the Health of Your Gums
Your oral health consists of much more than just your teeth. Patients who neglect their gum health could become more at risk of periodontal (gum) disease. This common yet serious condition is easily treatable if caught early, which is why it’s important to seek professional dental treatment as soon as possible.
At Luck Dental Clinic, Dr. Clemenson can detect and treat gum disease at any stage to help save your teeth. However, it’s essential to seek treatment before the effects of this condition become irreversible. Read on to learn about the importance of oral hygiene and how our gum disease treatment can help protect your smile.
What Is Gum Disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease occurs when the soft tissue of the gums becomes infected by bacteria. This condition puts your oral health and wellbeing at serious risk if left untreated.
Gum disease progresses throughout two stages:
- Gingivitis: The earliest stage of gum disease is mild and doesn’t usually cause noticeable or painful symptoms. Treatment at this stage can help reverse the infection and restore the health of your gums.
- Periodontitis: Gingivitis can advance into periodontitis if left untreated, which is a more serious stage of gum disease. The effects of periodontitis are typically irreversible, and you’ll likely experience painful symptoms like bleeding or inflamed gums.
Fortunately, gum disease can be easily treated if caught early. It’s essential to maintain good oral health and schedule biannual visits to our Luck office for dental cleanings and exams. Dr. Clemenson can detect gum disease and offer treatment before it can progress.
Why is oral hygiene so important?
Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line and constantly forms on your teeth. It’s important to have a consistent oral hygiene regimen for your teeth. By thoroughly brushing and flossing twice per day, you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease.
Who Is at Risk for Gum Disease?
The leading cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, but several other factors can put a patient at risk for gum disease.
- Diabetes
- Genetic predisposition
- Smoking habits
- Severe stress
- Medications that reduce saliva production
- Inadequate nutrition
Signs of Gum Disease
In its early stages, you likely won’t be able to tell that you have gum disease. Symptoms typically appear with the development of periodontitis, and include:
- Persistent bad breath
- Swollen gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Receding gums
- Bleeding gums
- Tooth loss
If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek treatment immediately. Schedule an appointment at our Luck office by calling (715) 472-2211. Dr. Clemenson will evaluate your teeth and provide effective treatment that’s custom-made to fit your oral health needs.
Treating Gum Disease
Neglecting necessary gum disease treatment can result in painful and permanent symptoms unless corrected. At Luck Dental Clinic, we offer scaling and root planing to help treat gum disease. We can also offer medicinal options and corrective surgery if the situation requires it.
This non-surgical treatment is a deep cleaning procedure that can help remove plaque and tartar from the gums and promote healing. Plaque is a thin film of bacteria that can harden into tartar if left untreated. This thick substance can only be removed with a thorough cleaning by a dental professional, which is where scaling and root planing come in.
Scaling involves removing any bacteria underneath the gums. This is followed by root planing, in which we gently smooth the surfaces of your tooth roots to promote healing and prevent gathering bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
If the disease has progressed into periodontitis, the effects can’t be completely reversed. Dr. Clemenson may recommend additional and frequent appointments to stop the disease from progressing any further. When gum disease is caught in its early stages, it can usually be treated with a deep cleaning. You’ll also want to practice diligent oral hygiene to preserve the health of your gums and promote healing.
When left untreated, gum disease can develop into periodontitis, a serious condition with irreversible effects on your smile. Patients with periodontitis may experience painful symptoms like bleeding and inflamed gums. Their oral health and wellbeing are also put at serious risk. It’s crucial to seek treatment at the first sign of gum disease to prevent complications.
Keeping your gums healthy extends to more than maintaining good oral hygiene. In addition, Dr. Clemenson also advises that you:
- Avoid tobacco products
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Avoid teeth grinding
- Use a fluoride toothpaste
- Rinse between meals
- Seek treatment at the first sign of unhealthy gums
It’s also essential to schedule biannual appointments to our Luck office for routine dental cleanings and exams. Dr. Clemenson can also check for signs of gum disease during these visits, providing treatment if necessary.