You asked and we answered! Our team is going to answer some of the basic questions you’ve asked about gum disease and show you how you can prevent it from happening to the inside your mouth.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is categorized into two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the first and more common stage of gum disease. Signs of gingivitis include swollen, red or bleeding gums or persistent bad breath.
Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of gum disease that often requires extensive treatments to remove and treat the damage. Periodontitis causes the top layer of the gum and bone to separate from the teeth, forming small pockets of space around each tooth. The space is then filled with debris, allowing plaque to spread under the gumline which then causes teeth to become loose and fall out.
Can it be treated?
Good news! Gum disease can be treated. Treatment options depend on the severity of the disease. At times, mild cases of gum disease can be treated by controlling the bacteria growth with nonsurgical therapies like scaling and root planing. Severe damage may require surgery to restore the damaged gum tissue.
How can I prevent it?
Basic oral hygiene practices can be a great place to start in preventing gum disease. Brushing your teeth after meals with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily can help remove food debris and plaque that tend to become trapped between your teeth and gums.
Contact our office today at [phone] if you notice your gums are bleeding consistently or have become swollen. We will work with you to ensure your gums and teeth stay healthy for years to come.