Gum Treatment

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal infections develop when layers of plaque and tartar irritate the gums, causing bleeding, swelling, and inflammation. While these common gingivitis symptoms may cause you concern, it’s important to remember that gum disease is treatable—and even reversible—when caught early. Our dentist can provide a gingivitis cure that reduces the swelling and eliminates the infection, restoring your gum health.

What Causes Gum Disease?

When teeth aren’t cleaned properly through brushing and flossing or when regular professional cleanings are skipped, gum disease can develop. The inflammation is caused by plaque and tartar buildup, which irritates the gums. Over time, the bacteria will begin to damage the ligaments supporting the teeth, causing the teeth to loosen. In fact, advanced gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss among adults over 35.

Are There Warning Signs of Gingivitis?

While gum infections can develop without any warning, gingivitis symptoms often appear. Call our office if you experience any of the following signs and require treatment for gum disease in Springfield:

• Red, sensitive gums, possibly with swelling
• Foul-smelling breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Light bleeding around the gums when practicing oral hygiene

What Happens at a Gingivitis Dental Appointment?

Contacting your dentist when you notice gingivitis symptoms is the first step in reversing gum disease. Your dentist will evaluate your teeth and gums, checking for these gum disease symptoms:

• Redness or tenderness around the gums
• Gums beginning to recede from the teeth, causing them to appear elongated
• Unusual spaces between teeth or teeth beginning to loosen
• Inflamed “pockets” under the teeth
• Pus surrounding the affected teeth

Are There Multiple Stages of Gum Disease?

When a gum infection is present, it can progress quickly when gingivitis treatment isn’t received. Here are the three major stages of gum disease and their symptoms:

1. Gingivitis: This is the first stage of the infection, where gum disease symptoms are the least severe. You may notice slight redness on the gums or even a small amount of bleeding when caring for your teeth. Dentists can often reverse gum disease during this stage, making treatment important. To reverse the inflammation, we will thoroughly clean your teeth and use any gingivitis cure necessary to eliminate the infection. You’ll also receive tips and how to prevent the problem from developing again.
2. Periodontitis: During the second stage of periodontal disease, the bone and supporting structures of the teeth will start to deteriorate. Inflamed pockets form at the base of the teeth, trapping food and debris. The pockets are also a breeding ground for bacteria, which causes the infection to progress. Dentists typically treat more advanced gum disease using more aggressive techniques, such as a deep cleaning with root scaling and planing.
3. Severe Periodontitis: When gum disease reaches its final form, the bone and supporting structures of the teeth are degraded completely. Your teeth may loosen or fall out completely as the gums recede away from them. Severe gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults; however, these complications can be avoided with early gum infection treatment. Give us a call to get more information about our therapies for gum disease in Springfield.

Where Can I Find a Gingivitis Cure?

If you suspect the signs of gingivitis, you may be wondering, “Is it possible to find a gum disease cure?” With our multiple gum therapies available, we’ll help you find a solution that thoroughly cleans your teeth and restores your gum health. Gum inflammation can worsen over time, so don’t delay—call us now for a gingivitis cure.

Where Can I Go for Advanced Periodontal Infections and Gingivitis Treatment?

When moderate gum disease treatment isn’t enough to resolve your symptoms, the dentist will use more aggressive measures. Root scaling and planing, antibiotics, and prescription mouthwashes are all methods of eliminating infection and reducing swelling. If your symptoms are severe, you may be referred to a periodontist. These dentists specialize in gum health and may offer additional therapies to restore your dental health.

How Can You Reverse Gum Disease?

With the help of a skilled dentist, reversing gum disease is possible. When caught during its early stages, gingivitis is treatable with a variety of gum therapies. Don’t ignore the signs of gum disease—restore your gum health by visiting one of our skilled dentists.