How to Treat Gum Disease?

Gum or periodontal disease is a serious oral health issue affecting millions globally. Symptoms like gum swelling or tooth loss can range from minimal to severe. Mild gum disease is known as gingivitis and is characterized by sore, red, swelling, or bleeding gums.

When gingivitis isn’t treated promptly, the infection severely damages the gum tissues and spreads to the supporting tissues of the teeth, such as the jawbone, leading to bone loss and tooth loss. This stage is known as periodontitis.
In this article, let’s explore the signs of chronic gum disease to watch out for and the various treatment options for healthy gums and optimal oral health.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Understanding gum or periodontal disease begins with recognizing its symptoms. Early recognition of these symptoms allows prompt and successful treatment and lowers your risk of complications. Visit our dentist in Somerset, NJ, for gum treatment if you have the following or related symptoms:

• Gum bleeding, especially when brushing and flossing
• Sore, red, or swollen gums
• Persistent unpleasant oral taste
• Persistent bad breath or halitosis
• Tooth pain or sensitivity
• Pain when chewing or biting down
• Gum recession (gums pulling away from the teeth)
• Loose or falling teeth
• A change in the way teeth or dentures fit

Generally, gum disease progresses gradually. Many people don’t experience significant symptoms during the early stages. Fortunately, routine dental checkups and cleanings can help identify and treat it early or even before it worsens. When treated early, gum disease can be treated and reversed.

Gum Disease Treatments

The treatment offered by your dentist or periodontist can vary based on your condition and symptoms. Common treatments for gum disease include:

• Good oral hygiene and lifestyle habits

For mild gum disease symptoms, the following remedies can help reverse or prevent the progression of gum disease:

• Brush at least twice a day, ideally after every meal. Brush for at least 2 minutes at a time.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Replace it every 3 to 4 months. If possible, get an electric toothbrush as it is more effective at eliminating plaque and tartar buildup from your mouth.
• Avoid vigorous brushing and flossing as it can hurt your gums or teeth
• Use fluoride-based toothpaste
• Floss at least once daily. You can use water flossers or interdental brushes.
• Use fluoride or antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce plaque and tartar buildup in the mouth.
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol use
• Regular professional cleanings

Regular dental cleanings can help remove bacterial plaque and tartar buildup around the gum line and on the teeth, allowing your gums to heal quickly and stopping the progression of gum disease.

• Medications

Your dentist can prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to eliminate bacterial infections and prevent new infections. Medications for gum infections include antibiotic or antimicrobial rinses, gels, and drugs.

• Dental scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)

For moderate gum disease, your dentist can recommend a deep cleaning. Dental scaling and root planing involve scrapping tartar and bacteria from the teeth surface and below and above the gum line using a laser, manual, or ultrasonic scaler.

The tooth roots are then smoothened to remove and prevent further bacterial buildup. Both dental scaling and root planing help the gums to heal and attach to the teeth normally.

• Perio Tray Gum Disease Treatment

The Perio Tray system uses a custom tray system to deliver gum disease medications deep under the gums. It’s used at home for a few minutes daily for a specific period. The treatment offers a continuous and effective way to eliminate bacterial infections, restore your gums’ health, and prevent gum disease progression.

• Surgical treatments

If you have advanced gum disease or periodontitis, the dentist or periodontist can recommend surgeries such as:

• Flap surgery. Also known as pocket reduction surgery, the oral surgeon cuts in your gums and carefully folds back the tissues to clean the area and repair bone damage. Then, the gums are approximated back for faster healing.
• Soft tissue grafts. Advanced gum disease can cause damage to your oral soft tissues. Soft tissue grafts involve adding new, healthy tissues to the affected area to stimulate healthy and new growth. It prevents further gum damage and improves your appearance.
• Bone grafting. This procedure involves placing new bone tissues in the region of bone loss to stimulate new bone growth and repair. Sufficient bone volume is essential to support teeth, facial muscles, and dental implants.

Visit our office for Gum Disease Treatments.

Do you have untreated gum or periodontal disease? Early treatment is essential to restore the health of your gums and promote optimal oral health. For more information about gum disease treatment, contact KK Dental – Somerset.