Gingivitis, also known as gum inflammation, is a common but often damaging dental problem. Gum inflammation is an early form of periodontitis or gum disease. Patients who develop gum disease often experience painful and bleeding gums and gum sensitivity. Over time, periodontitis can lead to various oral and systemic health issues that may result in eventual tooth loss. At Lighthouse Family Dentistry, we offer periodontal disease treatment to patients in Annapolis, MD.
Patients can restore their smiles with gum disease treatment. We provide many options to relieve your pain and ensure you stay in good oral health.
Signs of Gum Disease
Common symptoms of gum disease can include:
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen and irritated gums
- Gum recession
- Bad breath (Halitosis)
- Tender and sensitive gums
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Loose or missing teeth
Please contact our Annapolis office if you have noticed any of these problems. We want to help you address your gum inflammation before it develops and becomes gum disease. The sooner we can begin treating any signs of gum disease, the easier it is to reverse and the less likely it is to cause permanent damage.
Do I Have Gum Disease if I Have Bleeding Gums?
Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, but it doesn’t always mean you have it. When your gums bleed, especially while brushing or flossing, it could be caused by inflammation, which is an early sign of gum disease called gingivitis. Gingivitis happens when plaque builds up on your teeth and irritates your gums.
If you catch gingivitis early, it’s usually easy to treat with better brushing and flossing habits and a professional cleaning at the dentist. However, if gingivitis isn’t treated, it can turn into a more serious condition called periodontitis, which can cause gum recession and tooth loss.
Other causes of bleeding gums can include brushing too hard, using a hard-bristled toothbrush, or hormonal changes (like during pregnancy). If your gums are bleeding, please contact our office for treatment.
The Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease has multiple stages. The disease progresses very quickly. You need to know the symptoms so we can begin periodontal disease treatment in our Annapolis, MD office as soon as possible.
Gingivitis
The first stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. Common signs and symptoms of gingivitis include bleeding gums while brushing, gum redness, and minor inflammation. Since gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease it is the easiest to treat. A thorough dental cleaning and an increase in oral hygiene can reverse gingivitis and restore your oral health.
Mild Periodontitis
The second stage of periodontitis is called mild periodontitis. Once patients reach this stage of the disease, bacteria begin to gather around teeth and form pockets in the gumline. The pockets store more bacteria and it begins to infect the tooth root and bone. Patients’ gums may appear red and inflamed and they may also experience mild tenderness and discomfort.
Moderate Periodontitis
During this third stage, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth and teeth begin to decay. Teeth may also feel loose. Once the disease has reached this point treatment cannot reverse the damage. However, we can stop the infection from progressing further.
Advanced Periodontitis
The last and most severe stage of gum disease is called advanced periodontitis. Once patients have reached this stage bone loss has begun. They are also at risk of tooth loss. The infection has reached the jawbone and eating may be painful. Damage is irreversible, but treatment can help to protect your teeth and restore your gum and bone health.
How to Treat Gum Disease in Annapolis, MD
There are various ways to prevent gum inflammation from turning into gum disease. The best way to treat gum disease is by increasing your oral care and brushing and flossing twice daily. However, multiple treatment options are available depending on patient needs and the severity of the infection. Continue reading to learn more about the options we offer in our office to treat periodontitis.
- Antibiotics and Antibacterial Rinses: We may prescribe antibiotics and antibacterial rinses for patients with gingivitis. These treatments help minimize and remove bacteria in the mouth and help prevent gum disease. We will often provide these treatments after a deep gum cleaning.
- Scaling and Root Planing: These deep cleaning treatments benefit patients with moderate symptoms of gum inflammation. When we scale the mouth, we remove plaque and tartar from and beneath the gums using a special dental tool. During root planing, we smooth down the tooth roots to ensure they are attached to the gums.
- Gum Grafting: For patients with gum recession, or those who have had infected gum tissue removed, we recommend gum grafting. We may suture tissue from another part of the mouth, often the roof of the mouth, to secure the gum tissue in place. Gum grafting restores healthy tissue to the gums to help them grow and become healthy.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Follow these tips to improve your gum health and decrease the risk of gum disease:
Brush and Floss
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day are key to keeping your gums healthy. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean along the gum line, where bacteria can build up. Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth to help prevent gum inflammation and infections.
Visit Our Dentist
Routine dental check-ups and professional cleanings help keep your gums in great shape. Our dentist can spot early signs of gum disease and provide treatments to stop it from getting worse. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t reach, keeping your gums healthy and strong.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Your diet can impact your oral health. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods helps keep your gums strong. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks, which can lead to plaque buildup and increase the risk of gum disease. Drinking plenty of water also helps wash away food particles and bacteria, keeping your mouth clean.
Gum Disease Treatment FAQs
If you think you have periodontal disease, call our office. Don’t wait for the symptoms to get worse.
What are the early signs that periodontal treatment may be needed?
Common warning signs include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, as well as gum tenderness. You may also notice persistent bad breath or gums that begin to pull away from the teeth. In some cases, teeth may feel slightly loose. These symptoms suggest gum infection that may require professional treatment.
Is periodontal disease treatment painful?
Most periodontal treatments are performed with local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. During procedures like scaling and root planing, the gums are numbed so you feel minimal discomfort. After treatment, mild soreness or sensitivity may occur for a few days. Dentists may recommend medications or special rinses to help with recovery.
Can periodontal disease be cured?
While advanced periodontal disease cannot always be completely cured, it can be effectively managed. Early-stage gum disease can often be reversed with proper care and professional treatment. More advanced cases require ongoing maintenance to control infection. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene are essential for long-term success.
What happens if periodontal disease is left untreated?
Untreated periodontal disease can lead to serious oral health problems. The infection gradually damages the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth. Over time, teeth may become loose or fall out. The condition has also been linked to systemic health issues such as heart disease and diabetes.
How long does periodontal treatment take?
The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the gum disease. Some patients may only need a deep cleaning and follow-up visits. Others may require multiple procedures or surgical treatment. Dentists will create a customized treatment plan to address each patient’s specific needs.
Can periodontal disease treatment save my teeth?
Yes, early and effective periodontal treatment can help preserve natural teeth. By removing infection and stabilizing the gums and bone, dentists can prevent further damage. Many patients are able to maintain their teeth for many years with proper care. Prompt treatment greatly improves the chances of saving affected teeth.
Is periodontal treatment covered by dental insurance?
Many dental insurance plans provide some coverage for periodontal treatment. Coverage often includes procedures such as scaling and root planing or periodontal maintenance. However, the amount covered may vary depending on the policy. Dental offices can usually help patients review their benefits before treatment.
Can periodontal disease affect overall health?
Research suggests that periodontal disease may be linked to several systemic health conditions. Chronic inflammation in the gums may contribute to issues such as heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory problems. Treating gum disease may help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Maintaining healthy gums supports overall wellness.
Are there different stages of periodontal treatment?
Yes, treatment often occurs in stages depending on disease severity. Initial therapy focuses on controlling infection through deep cleaning and improved oral hygiene. Advanced stages may include surgical procedures or regenerative treatments. Maintenance therapy follows to keep the disease under control.
Why is early periodontal treatment important?
Early treatment helps prevent irreversible damage to the gums and bone. Gum disease tends to worsen over time if left untreated. Addressing the infection early makes treatment simpler and more effective. It also greatly reduces the risk of tooth loss and other complications.
Request a Periodontal Disease Treatment Consultation Today
Do you need to treat your gum problems? Get periodontal disease treatment in Annapolis, MD. Contact our professional dental team at 410-324-7287.
You can also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Meiser on our website. Please let us know if you have any current concerns or questions about your treatment options. We will be glad to assist you.