Do your gums bleed when you brush and floss? Are your teeth shifting over time?
You may have gingivitis or gum inflammation which is the earliest form of gum disease. If left untreated, patients with gum inflammation are more likely to develop periodontitis or gum disease. Gum disease is a highly damaging bacterial infection. The most common cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene.
Harmful bacteria in the mouth feed on food debris left on the teeth and gums. They produce digestive acids that eat away at the gum tissue. Over time, gum disease leads to gum recession and loose teeth. Our dentists can restore the teeth and gums with periodontal disease treatment in Broomall, PA.
Signs of Gum Disease
Symptoms of gum inflammation and disease include:
- Swollen and irritated gums
- Red and purple-tinged gums
- Bleeding when brushing and flossing
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Bad breath (Halitosis)
- Tender and sensitive gums
Please contact our office for periodontal disease treatment if you notice changes in your gum health. Early intervention can prevent permanent tooth loss and gum damage.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Broomall, PA
Routine dental care can quickly reverse early signs of gum disease. Brush your teeth twice a day at home. Remember to floss before brushing to remove food debris from between the teeth.
Schedule routine dental cleanings so we can remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. Plaque is a film of bacteria that builds up in the mouth. Once plaque hardens, it becomes tartar, which is difficult to remove. Our hygienists use specialized tools to perform dental cleanings and remove bacteria buildup from the smile.
If you have gum disease, a traditional cleaning may not be enough to clear away deep tartar buildup underneath your gums. If needed, we may recommend a scaling and root planing procedure. We’ll often give you a local anesthetic to numb the area first.
Then, one of our dental hygienists will scale your gums to remove bacterial buildup. During root planing, they smooth the tooth roots. Scaling and root planing can help the tooth roots reattach to your teeth and keep bacteria in check.
Gum Disease FAQs
Learn more with answers to these common patient questions about periodontal disease treatment in Towson, MD:
What health problems are connected to gum disease?
The bacteria that cause gum disease can increase inflammation in other parts of the body. Many health problems can worsen if you develop gum disease:
- Heart Disease: People with gum disease may have a higher risk of heart disease. The bacteria from infected gums can travel through the bloodstream and may cause inflammation in the heart’s blood vessels. If you have heart problems already, this inflammation can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
- Diabetes: Gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels. Many people with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease because their bodies have a harder time fighting infections. This creates a cycle that can harm your gums and your overall health.
- Lung Infections: Bacteria from the mouth can be breathed into the lungs, especially in older adults. This can lead to infections like pneumonia or worsen conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Can dry mouth cause gum disease?
Yes. Saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria in your mouth. It also keeps your gums and teeth healthy. When you don’t produce enough saliva, bacteria and plaque can build up more easily on your teeth and gums.
This buildup can lead to gum irritation, infections, and eventually gum disease if it’s not treated. If you have dry mouth, drink plenty of water, chew sugar-free gum to help saliva production, and talk to our office. We can help you manage dry mouth and keep your gums healthy.
Why does gum disease cause bad breath?
The bacteria that cause gum disease release a bad-smelling gas as they grow and break down food particles in your mouth. When you have gum disease in the deeper pockets between your teeth and gums, it’s harder to clean out all the bacteria, which makes the smell worse. Infected gums can also bleed and produce pus, which adds to the bad odor in your mouth.
Can smoking make gum disease worse?
Smoking weakens your body’s ability to fight infection, including the bacteria that cause gum disease. It also slows down healing, so your gums don’t get better as quickly, even with treatment.
People who smoke are more likely to get gum disease. Smokers who develop gum disease often have deeper pockets between their teeth and gums, more bone loss, and a higher chance of losing teeth.
Why do my gums bleed when I’m pregnant?
It’s common for gums to bleed during pregnancy because of changes in your hormones. Pregnancy hormones can make your gums more sensitive to plaque, the sticky film of bacteria on your teeth. This can lead to a condition called pregnancy gingivitis, which makes your gums red, swollen, and more likely to bleed when you brush or floss.
Even though this can be normal during pregnancy, taking care of your teeth and gums is still important. Pregnant women can safely visit our dentist for cleanings in the second trimester.
Do I need to use mouthwash if I have gum disease?
Mouthwash can help if you have gum disease, but should not replace your oral hygiene routine. Some mouthwashes are made to fight the bacteria that cause gum disease and can help reduce plaque, swelling, and bad breath. Our office may recommend an antibiotic mouthwash if you have gum disease.
Why do my gums hurt after a deep cleaning?
It’s normal for your gums to feel sore or tender after a deep cleaning. You might notice some pain, swelling, or bleeding for a day or two after the treatment. This happens because your gums are healing, and the cleaning may have reached areas that haven’t been touched in a long time. A cleaning can also irritate your gums if they’re already inflamed and sore.
At home, you can rinse with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain medicine, and eat soft foods until your gums feel better. Call our dentist if the pain doesn’t go away after a few days.
Do I need surgery if I have gum disease?
Not everyone with gum disease needs surgery. In the early stages, you can treat gum disease with better brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings. Our dentist may also recommend treatments like scaling and root planing.
But if gum disease becomes more serious, you may need periodontal surgery. Gum surgery can help clean deep pockets, fix damage, or even rebuild bone and gum tissue.
Schedule a Dental Appointment Today
Treat your gums with high-quality dental care. Call our dental office for treatment at (610) 347-8302. You can also request a dental consultation with the team at Williamsburg Dental today.