Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, begins as gum inflammation or gingivitis. A buildup of bacteria on and around the gums can causes gingivitis. Patients with poor oral hygiene are at risk of developing periodontal disease. Not brushing or flossing enough can lead to gum infection accompanied by pain, swelling, and irritation.
Dr. Michael Courter can help restore your smile using periodontal disease treatments in our North Midland, TX dental office. It is important to treat the signs of gum disease before they worsen because gum disease can cause serious health issues, such as exacerbate heart problems. Once the bacteria that are irritating the gums enter the bloodstream, they can affect the heart. Many patients with severe gum disease may develop diabetes, heart disease, or strokes.
Early diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease can have a positive impact on reducing further damage, as well as preventing it from progressing. Continue reading to learn about the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, and your treatment options at Dr. Courter’s Midland dental office.
Look Out For These Signs of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a serious and sometimes painful condition that can cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums. Knowing the signs of gum disease can help you spot the issue early on and take action to protect your oral health. Here are some key signs to look out for that could indicate gum disease.
Common signs of gum inflammation include:
- Red and bleeding gums
- Gum irritation and pain
- Swollen and sensitive gums
Gum inflammation is the first step toward gum disease, a common but serious oral health condition. As gum inflammation progresses, it can lead to painful ulcers and infections that can be difficult to treat. As gum inflammation slowly becomes periodontal disease, patients may experience the following:
- Persistent bad breath
- Toothaches
- Jaw bone loss
- Facial swelling
- Loose-feeling teeth
- Teeth that appear to be longer than normal
- Receding gums, pulling away from the teeth
- Pus between the gums and teeth
- Tenderness and redness of the gums
- Pain when chewing or biting into food
- Visible deep pockets between the teeth and gums
- A change in the position or bite of the teeth
- Gums that are bleeding when brushing or flossing your teeth
Early detection and treatment of this condition is essential for keeping your gums healthy. Please contact our office if you have noticed any signs of gingivitis or periodontitis. Our dentist, Dr. Michael Courter can easily reverse gum inflammation using deep cleaning treatments. He can also provide you with tips for a good oral hygiene routine.
Periodontal Disease Treatments at Michael C. Courter, D.D.S.
To help prevent gum inflammation from progressing into periodontal disease, Dr. Courter provides antibacterial rinses as well as scaling and root planing. In severe cases, we may refer the patient to a dental surgeon.
Antibacterial Rinse
Our dentist can prescribe antibacterial rinses to wash away harmful bacteria from the mouth. An antibacterial rinse will help prevent bacteria from colonizing your gum tissue and cause further gum inflammation. This rinse is similar to a mouthwash, but you can only get it with a prescription.
As an alternative, you can make a saltwater rinse at home. To create a saltwater rinse, combine half a teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water. Swirl the solution around in your mouth for around 15 seconds before spitting it out. This is not a cure, but a great way to kill excess bacteria and help your gums heal.
Scaling & Root Planing
Our dentist provides scaling and root planing in tandem. Scaling involves the removal of plaque and tartar, a sticky buildup of bacteria, on the teeth, and below the gum line. Root planing involves smoothing out any rough areas on the roots of teeth to help the gums reattach to teeth.
This procedure helps reduce inflammation in the gums, improve oral hygiene, and prevent further damage to the teeth. Scaling and root planing can also be beneficial in preventing tooth loss due to periodontal disease.
Oral & Gum Surgery
We will refer patients with severe cases of periodontal disease to an oral surgeon. Gum surgery is a common procedure used to treat periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease. Oral surgery on the gums can help remove infected or damaged tissue and create healthier smiles.
Gum surgery can also help prevent further damage caused by periodontitis, such as bone loss and tooth loss. The goal of gum surgery is to reduce inflammation and allow for better access to the roots of the teeth for cleaning and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will treating gum disease stop my teeth from becoming loose?
Yes, treating gum disease early can help stop further damage and may stabilize loose teeth. Once inflammation and infection are under control, the gums can reattach more firmly to the teeth. In advanced cases, you might need additional treatments like splinting or regenerative procedures. The key is catching and managing gum disease before the bone and tissue loss becomes severe.
Can receding gums grow back after treatment?
Receding gums typically do not grow back on their own. However, treatment can stop further recession and improve gum health. In some cases, gum grafting procedures may restore lost tissue and improve coverage. Good oral hygiene and managing any underlying causes, like grinding or gum disease, are essential to prevent further gum loss.
How long does it take for gingivitis to turn into periodontal disease?
Gingivitis can progress into periodontal disease in a matter of weeks or months if left untreated. The speed of progression depends on factors like oral hygiene, smoking, genetics, and immune response. Regular dental checkups and cleanings help detect early signs before they develop into more serious stages. Catching gingivitis early makes it easier to reverse with proper care.
Can children or teens get gum disease, too?
Yes, children and teens can develop early stages of gum disease, such as gingivitis. Poor brushing habits, hormonal changes, and orthodontic appliances can all contribute. While it’s less common for them to develop advanced periodontal disease, you shouldn’t ignore early signs like bleeding gums or bad breath. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are crucial for prevention.
How often do I need scaling and root planing treatments?
Most patients need scaling and root planing only once, followed by regular maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months to keep gum disease stable. Some patients with aggressive periodontitis may need retreatment in specific areas after a few years. The goal is to achieve healthy gum pockets that can be maintained with regular cleanings and excellent home care. Success depends on your commitment to improved oral hygiene and consistent professional maintenance.
Can gum disease affect the success of dental implants?
Yes, active gum disease significantly increases implant failure rates and must be treated before implant placement. The same bacteria that destroy natural tooth support can attack implants through peri-implantitis, often progressing faster than traditional gum disease. We require stable, healthy gums for several months before implant surgery. Even after successful implant placement, poor gum health can lead to implant loss years later.
Is bleeding when flossing always a sign of gum disease?
Bleeding gums are often an early sign of gingivitis, especially if you don’t floss regularly. However, it can also occur from flossing too aggressively or starting a new routine. If the bleeding persists for more than a few days or is accompanied by swelling or tenderness, it could indicate gum disease. Regular and gentle flossing and professional cleanings can help resolve mild cases.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Do you have red, swollen, or bleeding gums? Call Dr. Courter for treatment in our North Midland dental office today at 432-287-9531 or request a dental appointment with him online. We will be happy to recommend the best treatments to help keep your gum disease at bay. Dr. Courter provides periodontal disease treatment as a restorative dentistry procedure.