According to recent research, more than 20% of Australians are suffering from advanced gum disease. Leaving periodontal disease untreated can have lasting implications for your oral and general health, making you vulnerable to sepsis, jawbone deterioration, and tooth loss.
Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options to repair damaged gingiva and reverse gum disease. Understanding how to spot the symptoms and learning how to treat gum disease can protect your oral health and preserve your smile.
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease occurs when bacteria form a sticky film of plaque over your teeth. If it is not removed with regular brushing and flossing, it calcifies into tartar on your gum line. This calcification irritates the gum tissue, leading to inflammation and infection.
Early stages of periodontal disease are easily treatable, so it is crucial to be aware of the signs, which include:
- Tender, red, or swollen gums
- Gums that bleed when you brush and floss
- Tooth sensitivity
- Discomfort when eating
- Bad breath
Ignoring these early symptoms can cause gingivitis to progress to advanced gum disease like periodontitis which can have symptoms such as:
- Changes in bite alignment
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Pus between teeth and gums
How to Treat Gum Disease: What Treatment Do You Need?
The type of treatment you need depends on the severity of your periodontal disease.
When you visit the Bright Dental Group for gum disease treatment, your dentist will assess the condition of your gums, measure the gum pockets, and check for any damage to your teeth.
Then create a treatment plan tailored to your oral health needs.
How to Treat Gum Disease: Medications
To eliminate the infection, your dentist may recommend antibiotic medications or an antiseptic mouthwash to use in addition to deep cleaning or after gum disease surgery. It is critical to continue taking the full course of antibiotics even if your symptoms have cleared up to prevent reinfection.
How to Treat Gum Disease: Scaling
Scaling is performed on patients with mild periodontal disease. It is a deep cleaning treatment to remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line. The treatment can be performed with a debriding handpiece or an ultrasonic scaler.
How to Treat Gum Disease: Root Planing
Root planing is often performed after scaling to smooth the tooth roots. Planing the roots removes crevices in which bacteria can hide and provides a better surface for gum reattachment.
How to Treat Gum Disease: Flap Surgery
Flap surgery is recommended for advanced gum disease. It involves lifting the gum tissue to eliminate calculus from deep gum pockets, then suturing the gums back into place to reduce the pocket depth.
How to Treat Gum Disease: Gum Grafts
You may need a gum graft if you have lost gum tissue or suffer from receding gums due to periodontal disease. The surgical procedure uses growth factors and a biocompatible matrix placed on the affected site, which helps to regenerate gum tissue.
Visit Bright Dental Group to Protect Your Smile
Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from periodontal disease. Maintain a proper oral hygiene routine; brushing and flossing twice per day and using mouthwash once daily. Visit Bright Dental Group for regular cleanings and dental exams to catch gum disease early.
If you experience any of the symptoms of periodontal disease, call the Bright Dental Group on (02) 4708 9691 to book an appointment and learn how to treat gum disease from our experienced team of dentists.
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