Almost half of all people over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease.1 That number continues to increase with age. And while gum disease treatment is simple in the early stages, it can no longer be cured after a certain point — it can only be managed. That is why receiving periodontal therapy for gum disease as early as possible is essential in protecting your oral health.
Learning more about this condition and what Albion Family Dental can do to treat it can help you keep your periodontal disease in check.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue, most often caused by poor oral hygiene. When food debris gets caught between teeth, it combines with bacteria to become plaque, which eventually hardens into tartar if it is not removed regularly with brushing and flossing.
Plaque and tartar buildup ultimately results in an infection that begins as gingivitis, progresses into gum disease, and potentially develops into advanced gum disease (periodontitis).
Advanced gum disease can lead to dental abscesses, loose teeth, and tooth loss. It’s also been connected to a number of serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and even cancer.
Signs of Gum Disease
The symptoms of gum disease can begin quite mild and almost unnoticeable, but they can develop into serious issues with your oral health. Keep an eye out for the following signs of gum disease:
- Inflammation of the gums
- Red or painful gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold
- Gum recession
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Dental abscesses
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, reach your dentist immediately. The earlier you receive treatment, the less likely it is that your gum disease will advance into something more serious.
Gum Disease Risk Factors
While the biggest cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, there are a number of other factors that may indicate you’re at a higher risk for developing it, including:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Age
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- A compromised immune system
- Hormonal changes
- Certain diseases
- Certain medications
- Genetics
- Poor nutrition
- Stress
If you have one or more of these risk factors, you must take extra care to protect your oral health. A great oral hygiene routine is a good start, but you should also visit your dentist regularly.
Periodontal Therapy for Gum Disease
If you do find that you have gum disease, the good news is that treatment for this issue can be highly effective. Those treatments include:
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is the most common treatment for gum disease. Your dentist will use special tools to access the area around your tooth root to thoroughly clean it and then attempt to get the gum tissue to heal and reattach itself to the teeth.
Antibiotics
Because gum disease is a bacterial infection, sometimes antibiotics are necessary for treatment. They can be applied topically or taken orally.
Proper Oral Hygiene
One way you can combat gum disease at home is by brushing and flossing twice daily. Flossing is particularly important because disease-causing plaque loves to hide in the areas between your teeth where your brush can’t reach.
Gum Disease Treatment with Albion Family Dental
Treating gum disease can be simple with a dentist you can trust. At Albion Family Dental, we are dedicated to providing gentle, exceptional care with our friendly compassionate team. Reach out to Albion Family Dental today to schedule your dental care appointment. Call us at 585-589-9044.
Sources:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/fast-facts/gum-disease/index.html