Gum Disease Symptoms and Treatments

Periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. Yet many people ignore gum disease symptoms until they are in the advanced stages. To ensure good dental health, have regular examinations and keep your eye open for the following things.

Stages of Gum Disease

Dentists refer to the early stages of gum disease as gingivitis. It occurs when plaque builds up around the teeth, causing bacteria to grow in the gums. This can lead to inflamed gums that bleed when brushing or flossing.

When left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. With periodontitis, gums swell and then pull away from the teeth. This leaves pockets where food particles can gather, causing even more bacteria growth.

If periodontitis continues, your bone may wear away resulting in loose teeth that can eventually fall out. Your teeth may also become damaged if they shift so much that they affect your bite. In that case, we may remove them as a precaution.

Gum Disease Symptoms

If you suffer from any form of gum disease, you may experience one or more of the following:

• Sensitive teeth
• Swollen, bright red gums
• Bleeding when brushing
• Chronic bad breath
• Gum recession
• Loose teeth

If you notice any of these gum disease symptoms, it’s time to see a dental professional. Marketplace Dental Excellence has extensive experience in treating gum disease. Don’t put off treatment as the longer you wait the worse your condition is likely to become. Remember you must get rid of the source of bacteria (plaque) if you are to avoid further damage.

Treatment for Gum Disease

For our patients with gum disease, we often prescribe antibiotics such as doxycycline or tetracycline. These medicines kill off bacteria in the gums and allow them to heal.

A thorough cleaning that may include a deep scale root planing is normally needed as well. With a deep scale cleaning, we numb your gums so a hygienist can remove plaque and food particles from underneath the gumline. Depending on your condition, this could require more than one appointment.

Following treatment, we advise our patients to practice good oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing prevent plaque build-up, making it less likely you will experience gum disease in the future. You might also need more frequent cleanings if you are at high risk for developing gum disease. For example, you may need a cleaning every three or four months rather than every six months.

Help for Patients with Gum Disease

In addition to gum disease treatment, we also offer a number of other services, including:

• Dental implants
• Full and partial dentures
• Fillings
• Crowns
• Root canals

Contact Marketplace Dental Excellence for Professional Gum Disease Care

If you are experiencing any of the common gum disease symptoms, do not put off getting treatment. Contact the Marketplace Dental Excellence office in Queen Creek, AZ at 480.545.8700 to schedule an appointment and be on your way to good dental health.