Gum disease is serious. Unfortunately, far too many periodontal patients ignore their symptoms out of fear that the cure will be even more painful! In reality, this is not true at all.

Severe and chronic periodontitis, or gingivitis, left untreated can result in the tooth loss and can lead to other diseases and exacerbate others. According to the Center for Disease Control, researchers have found links between gum disease and other serious health conditions. Although people with healthy and strong immune systems can often fight off pathogens in the mouth, under some circumstances, these bacteria can be associated with health problems such as stroke and heart disease. Diabetes is also a huge risk factor and can make diabetes worse.

So, what can you do for gum disease?

If you see blood in your sink when you brush your teeth, this is a tell tale sign of Gingivitis, or gum disease. It is important to treat the infection before it travels below your gum line and into the bone. Bone loss is a consequence of chronic periodontitis and teeth loss. In the case of periodontitis or gum disease, the bacteria eats away at the underlying bone that hold your teeth in your mouth.

It is important to target and treat the infection immediately. Your dentist may refer you to a Periodontist or start with a “deep cleaning.” This deep cleaning is called a Full Mouth Debridement. Your dentist or hygienist will use a special tool to scrape the tarter and calculus from above and below your gumline. Then once that is completed, the Dentist will be able to give you a proper hygiene prescription which may include a consult with our periodontist.

Once this deep cleaning is complete the dentist may recommend a scaling and root planning procedure. During this procedure, your dentist or hygienist will remove the calculus (hardened plaque) above and below the gumline, making sure to clean all the way down to the bottom of the pocket. Then, they will begin root planning and smoothing out you’re the teeth roots, helping your gums reattach to your teeth. Scaling and root planning could take more than one visit to complete and may require a local anesthetic.

Finally, your dentist may recommend additional treatments or medication to suppress the infection such as:

• Antiseptic chip or antibiotic microspheres
• Antibiotic gel
• Enzyme suppressant
• Oral antibiotics
• And if the cleaning does not take care of the entire problem, you may be referred to a Periodontist.

You should never have to tolerate dental pain. If you are in pain or suspect you might have an infection, please call our office right away.