Periodontal Disease
Treating Gum Disease in Westlake
Many dentists will agree that the most important part of proper oral hygiene is flossing rather than brushing, because flossing is the only way to clean tight spots between the teeth where bacteria can hide. If flossing is not part of your daily routine, you may be at a much higher risk for periodontal disease, which can heavily damage your smile when left untreated. At Dental Care of Westlake, you can find comprehensive care to prevent or reverse the damage of gum disease so that your smile stays healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Common Causes of Periodontal Disease
Improper dental hygiene is the main culprit for gum disease. As bacteria builds up in the mouth, plaque forms on the teeth which leads to cavities and tooth decay. When the plaque touches the gums, the gums become irritated and inflamed, leading to periodontal diseases such as gingivitis.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
In the early stage of periodontal disease called gingivitis, symptoms will be mild and may only occur during brushing or eating. As gum disease progresses to more advanced periodontitis, it can threaten the health of the teeth and cause ongoing pain and inflammation in the gum tissue. Here’s a closer look at some of the iconic symptoms to watch out for with gum disease:
Bleeding Gums
As pockets form along the gum line, there may be increased tenderness and bleeding in the gums. Brushing and flossing may increase bleeding, but regular flossing can reduce tenderness and improve gum health over time.
Loose Teeth
When gum disease reaches the stage of advanced periodontitis, there is so much damage to the gums that there is no longer a solid foundation for the teeth. Therefore, you might have loose teeth or highly sensitive teeth that will need to be saved through oral surgery to restore the gum tissue.
Chronic Bad Breath
If you have chronic halitosis, gum disease may be the culprit behind it. The bacteria that causes gum disease can also be responsible for bad breath, so you won’t want to hesitate to ask your dentist about recurring bad breath that is not remedied by your oral care routine.
Red, Swollen Gums
Healthy gums should be firm and pink in color. If you notice redness or swelling in the gums, you will want to schedule a trip to the dentist to measure pockets in the gums and plan appropriate treatment.
How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?
When gum disease is caught early, conservative treatments are highly successful. If you have gingivitis, our team may recommend a special rinse or toothpaste to use after your regular brushing and flossing. We will also help you perfect your flossing technique to be sure that you are targeting the right areas in your cleaning routine. More advanced cases of gum disease may require gum surgery that uses donor tissue from the roof of the mouth to rebuild the gum line. General dentistry covers all types of exams and screenings to keep you and your smile happy and healthy for longer. Every dental procedure starts with a proper exam and screening. Reach out to our office by calling 440-835-0012 at your earliest convenience!