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.
The early stage of gum disease is gingivitis or gum inflammation. 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: You will experience chronic gum pain and soreness at this stage. 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. You will require oral surgery and restorative care if you develop advanced gum disease.
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. 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:
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.
Some pregnant women develop gingivitis during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can increase gum sensitivity. Addressing gum inflammation can help prevent the spread of inflammation to different body parts.
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. Additionally, you can notice higher blood sugar if you already have gum disease.
Can antibiotics treat gum disease?
In our Lansdale office, we use antibiotics with gum disease treatment. Antibiotics can remove harmful bacteria from the mouth. After scaling and root planing treatment, we will place antibiotics in the gum pockets to kill the remaining bacteria.
We will not recommend taking antibiotics on their own to treat gum disease. Antibiotics will only temporarily treat bacteria. You will need additional professional dental treatments and good oral hygiene to maintain your smile if you have gum disease.
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 Oral Health Today
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.