Periodontal Treatment for Gum Disease
If you are suffering from periodontal disease, you are not alone. In fact, half of all adults in the U.S. have some form of gum disease. Periodontal disease is contagious and poses a serious health risk. Not only is gum disease a primary cause of tooth loss in adults, studies indicate that it is also connected to heart disease and other systemic diseases. Gum disease is often painless and many people don’t even realize that they have it.
Causes of Gum Disease
Naturally occurring bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, continuously form a colorless, sticky “plaque” on our teeth. Flossing and brushing help, but they cannot completely remove this plaque. It eventually hardens and forms “tartar” that can only be removed with professional cleaning.
Plaque and tartar that is not removed can become harmful—causing gum inflammation and bleeding, or “gingivitis.” Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis where the gums begin pulling away from the teeth, forming spaces that become infected. As the body’s immune system fights the bacteria, bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection will begin to break down and eventually destroy the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. This is why gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults!
Symptoms of Gum Disease
You may be experiencing gum disease if you have the following symptoms:
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
- Swollen gums.
- Tender gums.
- Red or purple gums.
- Bleeding.
- Teeth sensitivity.
- Receding gums (which make teeth look longer).
- Loose teeth.
- Discomfort or pain while chewing.
- Spaces between teeth.
- Change in bite.
- Pus between teeth.
Gum Disease Treatment
Dr. Buchheit can treat gum disease and rein in the infection. The first thing he will recommend is great oral hygiene at home, meaning improved brushing and flossing habits. You may also receive gum disease treatment in the form of a deep cleaning.
During deep cleanings, the dentist or dental assistants scrape the tartar from the teeth and get rid of any bacteria around the teeth.
Medications and surgeries are used to treat more serious forms of gum disease. Medications that may be administered include prescription mouth rinse, antibiotic gels, oral antibiotics, and enzyme suppressants.
If the periodontal disease is advanced, surgery may become necessary. This can involve removing the tartar deposits that exist in deep pockets in your gums. We can also perform tissue or bone grafting, so the gum tissue can regenerate more effectively.
Get Periodontal Treatment for Gums in Chesterfield
If you are worried about gum disease, come see Dr. Buchheit for an exam. He has various gum disease treatment options that can alleviate your pain and protect your teeth.