Periodontal Disease – Sarasota, FL

What is Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease – more commonly called gum disease – begins when the soft tissue supporting your teeth becomes infected. During the earliest stages, only the gums are inflamed. This is known as gingivitis, and it can cause redness and swelling in the gums; you might also notice bleeding whenever you brush, floss, or check on something hard. Eventually, an untreated infection can become periodontitis and start attacking the ligaments and bone under the gums. Over time, the connective tissue holding your teeth in place could weaken and eventually result in tooth loss. Worse yet, research suggests that the bacteria in your gums could enter the bloodstream and put you at higher risk for heart attacks and other potentially severe conditions.

Signs of Gum Disease

In many cases, gum disease develops silently. That means you might not notice any symptoms until the most advanced stages, at which point extensive damage has already been done. Regular checkups at Tindal Prosthodontics will make it more likely that gum disease will be detected as soon as possible. However, you should make an appointment right away if you notice any of the following symptoms that could indicate an unhealthy periodontium:

• Gums that are red and bleed easily
• Persistent bad breath
• Gums that have pulled away from the tooth
• Loose teeth
• Changes in the position or feel of the bite

Treatment Options for Gum Disease

Early treatment is the key to periodontal therapy. With proper therapy, it is possible to return the gum tissue to a healthy state. Gum treatment usually involves a deep cleaning or root planing done under a local anesthetic along with local antibiotic agents. First, all the plaque and tartar below and above the gumline is removed; any pockets formed as a result of gum disease are thoroughly cleaned. After that, the roots of the teeth are smoothed out. This makes it easier for the gums to reattach themselves while also reducing the risk of another infection.

How to Maintain Gum Health

When you brush your teeth, don’t forget to clean on and near the gumline. You should also scrub your tongue to get rid of any bacteria that could be transferred to your teeth and gums.

If you don’t already floss, you should start doing so daily; this is the best way to remove plaque and food in the spaces where your toothbrush can’t reach.

Finally, don’t forget to schedule at least two dental cleanings every year so that any plaque or tartar you missed while brushing and flossing on your own can be removed by a professional.