Do your gums bleed after you brush or floss? Are your gums sensitive to hot and cold foods or beverages? You may be at risk of developing gum disease. Periodontitis, or gum disease, is caused by a buildup of bacteria in the gums. The professional dental team at Brookwood Dental Associates provides periodontal disease treatment in Lansdale, PA.
Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is the early stage of gum disease. Over time, as bacteria affect the gums, patients can experience gum swelling, sensitivity, and, eventually, recession. The health of the gums will also impact the stability of your teeth and bite. We work with you to prevent developing gum disease.
Our office can offer treatment to reverse the symptoms of gum inflammation and infection. We provide restorative dentistry services to help patients renew their oral health.
Common Symptoms of Gum Disease
There are several signs to be aware of when it comes to gum inflammation and the development of gum disease:
- Red and purple gums
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen gums
- Deep gum pockets
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Gum recession
- Pain when biting and chewing
Contact our dental team if you have noticed any of these symptoms. We will help you find the proper treatment to meet your needs. Once gum inflammation progresses to gum disease, you cannot reverse chronic gum problems. When you notice changes in your gum health, receiving professional care will prevent gum and tooth damage.
The Stages of Gum Disease
There are multiple stages of gum disease. Knowing how gum disease progresses can help you identify symptoms before they worsen:
- Gingivitis: Gum inflammation, swollen gums, and bleeding gums are the first signs of gum disease. These symptoms are reversible with a good oral hygiene routine and professional dental cleanings.
- Mild Periodontitis: As gum inflammation becomes gum disease, you may notice gum pockets forming. Plaque and tartar reach these gum pockets and require removal from a dentist.
- Moderate Periodontitis: At this stage, you will experience chronic gum pain and soreness. Periods of gum inflammation and bone loss are common in patients with moderate periodontitis.
- Advanced Periodontitis: The final stage of gum disease is marked by loose teeth and irreversible gum damage. If you develop advanced gum disease, you will require oral surgery and restorative care.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Lansdale, PA
We can provide periodontal charting at regular dental appointments to keep track of your gum health. We take measurements of the gum pockets and mark any changes in their depth. Gum recession is a serious result of gum disease that can quickly lead to tooth loss. In addition to charting, we can also provide:
- Antibiotic Gel: We can apply an antibiotic gel at routine appointments. If patients have formed gum pockets due to periodontitis, we can place the gel in them to help them heal. Antibiotics help fight off the bacteria that affect the gums.
- Scaling and Root Planing: These gum treatments are used together for deep gum cleaning. Scaling removes plaque and tartar around and beneath the gums, while root planing smooths the tooth roots so the teeth remain attached to the gums. We will also provide antibiotics after scaling and root planing treatment.
- Advanced Grafting and Surgery: Patients who have receded gums and advanced gum disease may require treatment from our on-staff periodontist. A periodontist can provide gum grafting treatment to add healthy tissue to the gums. An oral surgeon also needs to remove infected gum tissue to reduce the spread of the disease.
Periodontal Disease Treatment FAQs
Read answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more about gum disease:
Why do I have gum disease when I’m pregnant?
When you’re pregnant, your body goes through many changes, including changes in your hormones. These hormonal shifts can make your gums more sensitive to plaque, the sticky layer of bacteria on your teeth. This can lead to gum disease, also called pregnancy gingivitis.
Signs of gum disease include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, especially when you brush or floss. Keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy because gum disease can affect your overall health and even your baby’s health.
How can I stop bleeding gums during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant and notice bleeding gums, visit the dentist for a routine cleaning. Pregnant patients can safely visit the dentist for general dental treatments like dental cleanings. Our office will provide dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums.
We can provide additional tips to keep your gums healthy at home. Flossing before brushing will help remove bacteria and food debris from between teeth. Brushing twice daily for two minutes will help keep the teeth and gums clean.
What is the connection between gum disease and diabetes?
Uncontrolled diabetes leads to an increase in blood sugar. High blood sugar affects the gums, as sugars in the gum tissue attract the harmful bacteria that create gum disease. Also, you can notice higher blood sugar if you already have gum disease.
Can gum disease cause bad breath?
Yes, gum disease can cause bad breath. When you have gum disease, bacteria build up in your gums, which can lead to an unpleasant smell. This is because the bacteria release toxins that affect your breath.
If your gums are swollen, red, or bleed when you brush, it could be a sign of gum disease, and bad breath might be one of the symptoms. The good news is that treating gum disease by seeing our dentist and practicing good oral hygiene can help reduce bad breath.
Can antibiotics treat gum disease?
In our Lansdale office, we use antibiotics to treat gum disease. Antibiotics can remove harmful bacteria from the mouth. After scaling and root planing treatment, we place antibiotics in the gum pockets to kill the remaining bacteria.
We do not recommend taking antibiotics alone to treat gum disease. Antibiotics only temporarily treat bacteria. If you have gum disease, you will need additional professional dental treatments and good oral hygiene to maintain your smile.
Can gum disease lead to tooth loss?
Yes. If you leave gum disease untreated, you can lose permanent teeth. Over time, as the gum tissue breaks down, teeth loosen, and deep pockets form. Eventually, the gums pull away from the teeth. Permanent teeth can fall out of the mouth if they do not have support from the gum tissue.
Do gums grow back after gum disease?
Gums can’t regrow after gum disease. However, gum grafting treatments or gum surgery can place healthy gum tissue over receded gum tissue. You may need treatment to revive your gum tissue if you have deep gum pockets.
Is gum disease curable?
No. Gum disease is not curable unless you have gingivitis. However, you can manage chronic gum disease symptoms at the dentist. Regular deep cleanings help keep harmful bacteria in check. Oral surgery can help rebuild lost bone and gum tissue
We recommend that patients with advanced gum disease receive oral surgery to save their natural teeth and gums. Our office can refer patients to local periodontists for advanced care.
Renew Your Gum Health
Have you noticed changes in the health or appearance of your gums? Receive periodontal disease treatment in our Lansdale, PA, dental office today. Request a dental appointment with our dental team on our website or call 267-651-7247.