A Complete Guide to Gum Disease (Periodontics)
Gum disease is a common yet serious condition that can significantly impact your oral and overall health if you don’t get treatment. At Lucas Dental, we have extensive experience in treating gum disease – you can with us here. Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. It affects the tissues that support and surround your teeth. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available in the field of periodontics is essential for maintaining healthy gums and preventing tooth lose. We’ve put together this guide to cover everything you need to know about gum disease, from early detection to advanced treatments, so you can the best choice for your dental health journey.
What Is Gum Disease?
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that supports your teeth. There are two main stages of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and starts with inflamed, red, and bleeding gums. It is usually reversible with good oral hygiene and professional care. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is a more severe form of the disease that can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease is primarily caused by the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria on the teeth and gums. Poor dental hygiene, such as infrequent brushing and flossing, allows plaque to harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist, dental hygienist or oral health therapist. Smoking, hormonal changes such as pregnancy and puberty, medications, systemic diseases like diabetes, and a genetic predisposition can all contribute to you developing gum disease. Regular visits to your dentist for check-ups and professional cleanings will help you to manage this condition. If you’re in the City of Marion area Lucas Dental can help you with your gum disease treatment – book an appointment now.
Gum Disease Symptoms
Early Signs of Gingivitis
The early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, often presents with subtle symptoms that can be easy to overlook. Common signs include:
The issue with early-stage gum disease, known as gingivitis, is that it often presents with very subtle symptoms that can often be mistaken for other issues. You will usually have one or more of these issues in early-stage gum disease.
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Gums that appear shiny or puffy
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to book into Lucas Dental and one of our friendly staff members will get started on a treatment plan for you. You can book in here.
Advanced Symptoms (Periodontitis)
If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis which is a more serious form of gum disease that can lead to permanent damage. Advanced symptoms include:
- Receding gums, which make the teeth appear longer
- Formation of deep pockets between the teeth and gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Painful chewing
- Severe gum infection with pus between the teeth and gums
Periodontitis may require more intensive treatment from a periodontist and if left untreated can result in tooth loss.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Daily Oral Care
Prevention is always better than a cure, and good dental hygiene is the first line of defence against gum disease. This includes:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily to remove plaque from between the teeth and under the gumline
Maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, and managing medical conditions such as diabetes can also help keep your gums healthy.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular visits to Lucas Dental are essential for preventing gum disease. During a regular check-up, one of our friendly staff members will perform a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that can’t be removed at home. Regular visits also allow for early detection of any signs of gingivitis or periodontitis, making treatment more effective and less invasive.
Treatment for Gum Disease
Professional Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Debridement)
If you have diagnosed gum disease, a professional deep cleaning known as scaling and root debridement is often the first step in treatment. This involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline (scaling) and smoothing out the roots of the teeth (root debridement) to help the gums reattach to the teeth. This treatment is only done by a periodontist if you have advanced periodontal disease otherwise most gum disease can be treated by a dental hygienist or oral health therapist.
Advanced Treatments for Periodontitis
If gum disease has progressed to severe periodontitis, additional treatments may be necessary. These can include:
- Periodontal surgery: For example, flap surgery, which involves lifting back the gums to remove tartar, and bone grafts to regenerate bone lost to the disease
- Laser therapy: A less invasive treatment option that uses lasers to remove infected tissue and bacteria
- Medication: Antibiotics or antimicrobial mouth rinses may be prescribed to control the bacterial infection
Advanced periodontitis requires layers of care, often involving a combination of these treatments to get back to a high level of teeth and gum health.
What Happens If Gum Disease Is Left Untreated?
Tooth Loss and Other Complications
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to severe issues, including tooth loss. As the disease progresses, the gums and bone that support the teeth deteriorate, causing teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. Gum disease has also been linked to other serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and complications with diabetes. Maintaining healthy gums is crucial not just for your smile, but for your overall well-being. If you’re worried about your gum health or you think you may be experiencing symptoms of gum disease book an appointment with Lucas Dental today.
Costs and Waiting Periods
What Are the Costs of Gum Disease Treatments?
The cost of treating gum disease varies depending on the severity and type of treatment required. Debridement and scaling are more affordable whereas more advanced treatments, such as periodontal surgery, can cost significantly more. Despite the cost, early treatment is far more affordable and less invasive than dealing with advanced periodontal disease later.
Are There Waiting Periods for Coverage?
Dental insurance plans sometimes cover treatments for gum disease. However, there may be waiting periods that range from a few months to a year, depending on your plan. It’s important to check your policy details to understand what’s covered and when you’ll be eligible for treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Can gum disease be reversed?
How often should I see a dentist to prevent gum disease?
Are gum disease treatments covered by health insurance?
Protect Your Gum Health Today
Don’t wait for the symptoms of gum disease to get worse. Schedule an appointment with one of our friendly staff members at Lucas Dental today to assess your gum health and make a treatment plan. Early intervention is key to preventing serious complications and maintaining a healthy smile.