Gum Disease
Caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth, a gum disease infection is the top cause of adult tooth loss in the United States. Bone loss in the jaw and soft tissue damage negatively affect a person’s smile and face shape, while also making it difficult to smile, chew, and speak. If you have irritated gums or loose teeth, schedule an appointment with Natural Smiles in Louisville, KY, for gum disease treatment.
Signs of Gum Disease
It is possible to stop the progression of gum disease – also known as periodontal disease – but only if you get an accurate diagnosis and treatment. It’s often difficult for people to identify whether they have a gum infection, particularly in early stages, but a dentist recognizes the signs and symptoms immediately. Advanced complications are obvious and include:
- Swollen gums
- Red or inflamed gums
- Bleeding, tender gums
- Toothache
- Sensitivity
- Gum recession
- Bad breath
Gum Disease Treatment
The longer you wait to get gum disease treatment, the more aggressive the infection. It’s always treatable, but the work that needs to be done is more invasive the longer you wait. A gum infection does not go away on its own. You can’t brush harder or floss more to make the problem go away. There is too much bacteria living in your mouth and it needs to be eliminated to stop it from spreading. Here are the most common types of gum disease treatment:
- Laser gum therapy: Laser gum therapy is a cutting-edge technology that minimizes pain, encourages faster healing, and encourages the regeneration of gum tissue. This advanced gum treatment is efficient and comfortable.
- Deep teeth cleaning: Typically known as scaling and root planing, deep teeth cleaning is the scraping away of built-up tartar, plaque, and bacteria along the edges of the gumline. The area is then smoothed out to prevent bacteria from clinging to enamel again.
- Antibiotics: A course of antibiotics are typically prescribed along with the in-office treatment and come in the form of mouthwash or a topical treatment that helps fight the infection your dentist is cleaning away.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Some people are more susceptible to developing gum disease because of heredity, weak tooth enamel, or aging. Suffering from this problem, however, is not inevitable for anyone, especially when you maintain good habits:
- Prioritize oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.
- See your dentist: Visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam.
- Avoid tobacco: Smoking, vaping, and chewing tobacco all increase your risk of developing gum disease.
- Be honest about medical information: Certain medical conditions and medications lead to dry mouth which contributes to bacteria overgrowth and gum disease.
Gum Disease Treatment in Louisville
If you have discomfort in your gums and teeth, visit your dentist right away – don’t wait for your biannual checkup. Allow the dental team at Natural Smiles in Louisville, KY, take care of your oral health and get rid of any gum disease before it destroys your smile.