Gum Disease, Gingivitis
Treatment for Gum Disease
Your gums are the base for your oral health. When the gums become infected, it can lead to tooth loss, changes in your jaw structure and put you at risk for serious health problems. At Dental Care Center at Kennestone, we strive to help our patients prevent gum, or periodontal, disease with routine general dentistry. When gum disease does strike, we offer effective treatment options to combat this serious oral health issue.
Gum, or periodontal, disease is a severe infection of the gum tissue. It can cause bone and tissue loss, as well as put you at higher risk for strokes, type 2 diabetes and problems during pregnancy. Treatment involves removing the bacteria that cause gum disease and helping to fight the infection in the gum. This can include deep cleanings, medication for the infection and other treatments to promote healing of the gum tissue.
Symptoms and Causes of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is caused by excess bacteria attacking the gum tissue. These bacteria thrive in plaque and tartar on the teeth. There are several stages of periodontal disease, the first being gingivitis. The early symptoms include:
- Receding gums
- Swollen or red gum tissue
- Bleeding when brushing or eating
- Tender gums
- Bad breath
These symptoms do not need to be present for you to have gum disease, but they are common. As the bacteria attacks the gum tissue, it begins to recede from the teeth. This creates larger pockets to form for bacteria to hide. During your routine cleanings, our hygienist examines your gums to check for any signs of gum disease and will recommend treatment if you have any symptoms.
Catching periodontal disease in the early stages is important for successful treatment. If we can catch your gum infection early, it can be quickly reversed, and we can help protect your oral and overall health. Contact our office to schedule your next cleaning and checkup today, especially if you have any symptoms of gum disease.
