What is gum disease?
Gum disease is a common infection that occurs in soft tissues that support your teeth. When left untreated, gum disease can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss. Detecting and treating gum disease in its early stages can prevent serious complications.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
If you experience the following signs or symptoms, you may have gum disease:
- Tender gums
- Swollen, puffy gums
- Bright red gums
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Pus between your teeth
- New gaps between your teeth
- Receding gums
- Changes in your bite
Healthy gums are pale pink and fit tightly around your teeth. At the first sign of gum disease, see the Palmetto Family Dental team for an evaluation.
What are the risk factors for gum disease?
Ongoing gum inflammation, plaque, and tartar can cause gum disease. Factors that increase your risk of developing gum disease include:
- Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic diseases
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Obesity
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Recreational drug use
- Hormone changes
- Genetics
- Poor nutrition
- A weak immune system
Skipping routine dental cleanings can also increase your risk of gum disease.
How is gum disease diagnosed?
The team at Palmetto Family Dental can diagnose gum disease after reviewing your symptoms and dental history, and completing an oral health exam. They also take dental X-rays and measure the amount of any gum recession.
How is gum disease treated?
Your provider at Palmetto Family Dental tailors each gum disease treatment to your personalized needs. They might recommend:
At-home care
Simply changing your at-home oral health habits can often reverse gum disease in its early stages. Your provider lets you know how to properly care for your teeth at home, and might recommend a special mouthwash or toothpaste.
Antibiotics
Taking oral or topical antibiotics helps treat gum disease infections. Your provider lets you know if any medications are right for you.
Scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planing help remove tartar and bacteria on surfaces of teeth beneath your gums, or tooth roots. Your Palmetto Family Dental provider offers advanced laser treatments for moderate to severe gum disease. They might use flap surgery to better expose tooth roots during scaling and root planing.
Surgical procedures
In the case of advanced gum disease, your provider might recommend soft tissue grafts, bone grafts, guided tissue regeneration, or tissue-stimulating proteins to restore gum and bone tissue destroyed by gum disease.
Don’t let gum disease lead to tooth loss and ruin your beautiful smile. Schedule an appointment with Palmetto Family Dental by phone or online today.
