Unfortunately, gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues among adults. In this article, we list warning signs of gum disease and discuss the importance of treatment and treatment methods.
Warning Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic infection of the gum tissue, typically caused by poor oral hygiene and bacterial growth in the mouth. Other risk factors of gum disease include smoking and use of tobacco products, bruxism, stress, poor nutrition, and some systemic general health issues such as diabetes and hormonal changes.
There are several stages of gum disease, from the earliest stage, gingivitis, to advanced and severe gum disease. Periodontal disease is only fully reversible at its earliest stage, provided it is treated promptly. If gum disease advances further, it becomes chronic and can only be managed, but not fully reversed.
That is why it is essential to seek medical care as soon as you notice the first symptoms of gum disease. Left untreated, it can lead to gum recession, unstable teeth, and even tooth loss. Also, uncontrolled gum disease is closely associated with general health problems, such as heart, lung, and joint issues, poor gastrointestinal health (due to chronic infectious conditions in the mouth), unstable blood sugar levels, skin concerns, and low energy.
The most common warning signs of gum disease (from gingivitis to advanced gum disease) include:
- Red and swollen gums
- Darkened gums
- Persistent unpleasant taste in the mouth or bad breath that does not go away after brushing and flossing
- Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss your teeth
- Receding gums (gums that pull away from the teeth, exposing their roots)
- Pain in the gums when touching them or chewing food
- Pimples or cysts on the gums
- Pus in periodontal pockets (spaces where the gum tissue is connected to your teeth)
- Unstable teeth
Symptoms of gum disease can vary depending on each case and the severity of the issue. Some patients may experience several or all of the symptoms above, while others may notice only slight changes in gum appearance. Regardless of symptom severity, gum disease always requires prompt medical attention.
Gum Disease Treatment Methods
To begin with, we want to stress the importance of an improved daily at-home oral hygiene routine for treating gum disease at any stage. If your oral hygiene is insufficient or inconsistent and you do not remove food residue and plaque effectively every day, allowing bacteria to proliferate in your mouth, other treatment methods might be ineffective.
Modern dentistry offers the following gum disease treatment methods and procedures:
- Frequent professional cleanings (every 3 to 4 months) are typically recommended for patients with active gum disease.
- Deep cleaning, scaling, and root planing are aimed at removing plaque and tartar, which are filled with bacteria, from periodontal pockets, helping the gums reattach to the teeth.
- Pocket reduction surgery (or flap surgery) is used to surgically reduce the size of periodontal pockets to prevent plaque and tartar from accumulating under the gum line.
- Antibacterial medications can be prescribed to subdue active infections.
- Laser procedures can be used to remove infected tissue and promote healing.
- Soft tissue grafts and guided tissue regeneration are used to help gums heal.
Treat Gum Disease at OC Dental Specialists
If you notice signs of gum disease, do not postpone a visit to an experienced periodontal dentist at OC Dental Specialists. At our dental office, we use modern diagnostic and treatment methods to help our patients restore and maintain their oral health. We are looking forward to your visit.