Many patients with gum disease don’t understand how devastating this disease can be to their dental and overall health. Studies have suggested gum disease can increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and other systemic health conditions. Improving your gum health can enhance your overall wellness.
Our dentists have extensive training in treating various stages of gum disease. Our innovative techniques can help restore your gum health and improve your overall dental health. Prompt treatment can reduce your risk of tooth loss and other dental health complications associated with gum disease. In addition to providing gum disease treatment, we offer a range of restorative dentistry treatments.
What Does Gum Disease Look Like?
Gum disease manifests in various stages, each with distinct signs. This oral disease has some very distinct symptoms that most patients cannot ignore. From minor gum swelling to loose teeth, we suggest you visit your dentist if you show any of these signs of gum disease. Recognizing these symptoms in their early stages allows you to seek professional care, receive effective treatment, and prevent further damage. The most apparent signs and symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Dark red or purple gums
- Swelling at the gum line
- Tender, painful gums
- Receding gums
- Foul-smelling breath
- White spots or plaques on the gums
- Pus between the gums or teeth
- Loose teeth
Stages of Gum Disease
- Gingivitis: In its initial phase, known as gingivitis, the symptoms are often mild but noticeable. The gums may appear red, swollen, and are prone to bleeding due to the accumulation of plaque-filled bacteria. Bleeding gums often occurs during brushing or flossing. Healthy gums typically have a firm, pink appearance, so any deviation towards redness and inflammation is a sign of concern. If you catch gingivitis early, your dentist can often reverse the effects.
- Periodontitis: If you fail to seek treatment for gingivitis, it can progress to periodontitis. During periodontitis, the symptoms become more severe and easier to identify. The gums will start to recede and deteriorate, creating deep pockets between the gums and teeth. Periodontal pockets are where bacteria accumulates and will lead to many dental problems. In addition to gum recession, you may experience bad breath, shifting teeth, loose teeth, and teeth begin to appear longer due to loss of gum tissue.
- Advanced Periodontitis: Patients who reach the advanced stage of periodontal disease, advanced periodontitis, will present even more alarming signs. The bacteria present in the pockets will compromise the health and function of the teeth. The gums might take on a purplish or dark red hue and become significantly tender to the touch. Pus may be evident around the teeth and gums, indicating an ongoing infection. Additionally, teeth may become loose or shift due because of the damage to the supporting bone structure. Persistent bad breath and bad taste are also common symptoms of advanced gum disease. Advanced periodontitis can lead to bone and tooth loss if you fail to seek immediate treatment.
Advanced Periodontal Therapy: Gum Disease Treatment in Rockland County NY
Gum disease is best treated during gingivitis. During gingivitis, the overall structure of the gums, teeth, and bone structure are not compromised. In many cases, the effects of gingivitis can be reversed through conservative measures.
The longer you leave gingivitis untreated, they more likely it will develop into an advanced form of gum disease. During advanced stages of gum disease, you are at an increased risk of bone and tooth loss, which will require advanced treatment.
We offer a full range of minimally invasive treatment options for various stages of gum disease. Our dentists and board-certified periodontist offer a unique blend of skills and expertise that can help you get one step closer to a healthier smile.
After a thorough evaluation of your gums, we may recommend one or more of the following solutions for you.
- Laser Dentistry: Advanced laser dentistry is suitable for patients with moderate to advanced stages of gum disease. Laser gum surgery is a noninvasive, effective way to treat the effects of gum disease. With dental lasers, patients can heal faster, experienced minimal bleeding, and achieve optimal results.
- Scaling & Root Planing: This non-surgical solution for gum disease works by removing plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gum line.
- Anti-Bacterial Rinse: This is performed during the earliest stage of gum disease to help reduce bacteria in the mouth and gums.
- Gingivectomy: removing diseased gum tissue and reducing the size of periodontal pockets.
Gum Disease Treatment FAQs
If you have gum disease and have question about the disease, treatment, or symptoms, please read through our frequently asked questions about gum disease. It is important to understand the disease so you can notice the symptoms and make the best decisions about your treatment. If you have questions that we did not address, please contact our office for further help.
What causes gum disease?
The disease occurs due to gum inflammation, which exposes the gums to harmful bacteria and leads to the onset of periodontal disease. Causes of gum inflammation include family history, changes in hormone levels, poor oral hygiene, and smoking.
What are the common warning signs of gum disease?
You may first notice your gums feel sore and bleed easily when you brush or floss your teeth. Redness, gingival recession, and bad breath are also common symptoms. Don’t ignore these warning signs, otherwise the disease can worsen and increase the likelihood of loose teeth or even tooth loss.
Does a dental cleaning help?
Yes. A dental cleaning completely removes plaque buildup and tartar from the teeth, which limits the risk of gum inflammation. You should have your teeth cleaned once every six months, or possibly more frequently if you have high risk factors for the disease.
How do I limit my risk of gum disease at home?
You can take steps to reduce your risk of the disease from home. For example, you should brush and floss thoroughly every day. Doing so removes food particles from the teeth, which bacteria need to break down to cause plaque buildup and gum inflammation. In addition, if you smoke or use tobacco products we recommend quitting right away. If you have any questions about avoiding periodontal disease then please contact our office today.
Do saltwater rinses help gum infections?
Saltwater rinses can help address gum pain and inflammation due to gum infection. However, these rinses will not cure gum disease. Please consult a dentist if you notice signs of gum infection, including bleeding, irritated, and painful gum tissue.
Can you cure gum disease?
Gingivitis, or the earliest stage of gum disease, is reversible with a good oral hygiene routine and preventative, professional dental care. Later stages of gum disease are not reversible. However, you can manage your symptoms with regular deep cleanings, lifestyle changes, and improved dental hygiene.
How will scaling and root planing treat my gum disease?
Scaling and root planing is a dental treatment that deep cleans the teeth and gums to treat gum disease. This procedure clears plaque and tartar from below the gum line, where regular brushing can’t reach. Your dentist cleans the tooth roots, smoothing rough spots to help gums reattach. This process reduces inflammation, shrinks gum pockets, and stops the disease from getting worse. It’s often the first treatment for gum disease before more serious steps are needed.
Does gum disease lead to bone loss in the jaw?
Yes, gum disease can lead to bone loss in the jaw. When you fail to treat your gum disease, it can spread below the gum line and affect the bone that supports your teeth. The infection damages the bone, causing it to break down over time. This bone loss can make your teeth loose and even fall out. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene can help stop gum disease and protect your jaw bone.
What role does diabetes play in gum disease?
Diabetes plays a significant role in gum disease and bone loss in several ways:
- People with diabetes are about three times more likely to develop gum disease compared to those without diabetes.
- Diabetes makes the immune system weaker, making it harder for the body to fight off infections, including those in the gums.
- High blood sugar levels impairs the healing process, making it more difficult for gum tissues to repair themselves after damage from bacteria.
- Diabetes increases overall inflammation in the body, including in the gums.
- The combination of increased bacterial activity, impaired immune response, and chronic inflammation can accelerate bone loss in the jaw.
Schedule An Appointment: Treatment for Gum Disease in Rockland County NY
Our experienced team of dentists offers a variety of periodontal therapy solutions to eliminate gum disease. We take a comprehensive, personalized approach to your treatment planning.
If you are experiencing any signs of gum disease, it is important to visit us for an evaluation. To explore your treatment options for gum disease, call (845) 241-0656 or request an appointment online.