When patients are told by our Cooper City dentists that , or gum disease, has been detected, a few immediate questions come up. Mainly, the questions are surrounding next steps and if the condition itself can be reversed. While the first variation of gum disease, gingivitis, can be turned around and eliminated, the same can’t be said for more advanced stages. All hope is not lost, however, as we can slow or stop the progression with periodontal therapy.
Here are the primary gum disease stages, common symptoms, and what treatment can look like.
How Gum Disease Progresses
The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis. It is typical at this stage for the gums to become inflamed and easily bleed during tooth brushing or flossing. Any sensitivity that results at this point in time is due to plaque buildup along your gum line that later hardens into tartar.
When an individual experiences gingivitis, they have gum irritation but do not yet have any irreversible bone or tissue damage and their teeth are still firmly intact. Treating gingivitis can be as simple as thoroughly brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and swishing with a mouth rinse. Our gum disease dentists also recommend you receive a teeth cleaning and proceed to have one every 6 months for good oral health.
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It is when gingivitis is left untreated and able to progress, that it develops into which is much more serious. Periodontitis encapsulates the later stages of gum disease and has greater oral health consequences. Unlike gingivitis which is reversible, periodontitis is a long-term and chronic condition.
Later stages of periodontitis can lead to destroyed bone tissue, loosened teeth, tooth loss, and the pockets between your gums and teeth becoming deeper. Our dentists will probe these pockets to diagnose the stage of gum disease that you have. For reference, a depth measurement of:
- 4 to 5 millimeters – indicates slight periodontal disease; at this point specialized cleaning is required beyond at-home care.
- 6 to 7 millimeters – indicates moderate periodontal disease.
- 7 millimeters or greater – the most advanced form of periodontal disease.
Fortunately, it doesn’t have to come to this as gum disease can largely be prevented with consistent oral care and professional teeth cleanings inside our Cooper City, FL, dental office every 6 months.
Gum Disease Symptoms
It can be easy to ignore certain. For example, if you notice your gums becoming a bit red or bleeding during flossing, you might think you’ve just been too heavy- handed.
Regarding your gums, if you experience any new discomfort or a changed appearance, it’s important that you see our local family dentists before your condition progresses beyond quicker methods and demands professional gum disease treatment.
The symptoms listed below do not always guarantee that you have gum disease, but you should take note of them, nonetheless.
Key warning signs include:
- Gums that are red, swollen, or tender
- Receding gums
- Gums that bleed when brushed or flossed
- Loose teeth
- Persistent bad breath
The earlier concerning symptoms are caught, the easier it is for both you and our dentists to treat them.
Available Gum Disease Treatment
Through restorative dental procedures, varying degrees of gum disease can be effectively treated. One form of treatment for periodontal disease is scaling and root planing. Essentially, it involves a deep dental cleaning of your gums and teeth.
As mentioned above, those afflicted with gum disease have deep gum pockets around their teeth which allows food particles and plaque to settle there. For this type of treatment, our dentists will remove the plaque and tartar from and below the gum line.
After that, they will smooth out your tooth roots to aid your gums in reattaching to the teeth. Gum recession is a common problem for those dealing with periodontal disease, so this is a necessary step.
Other than this procedure, it’s all about formulating proper oral hygiene habits and sticking to them. Certain antibiotic medications, products, or techniques may also be recommended to you by our dentists to help keep your mouth healthy.
Schedule a Dental Evaluation
Not sure if you have gum disease or what stage it might be at if you do? Our , can take a look and create a personalized treatment plan should you have the condition. Call Cooper City Family Dentistry today at (954) 252-8257 or contact us online to book a consultation.
