Everything You Need To Know About Gum Disease & Treatment

For Tulsa Dental Center Patients

Gum Disease Graphic

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about half of Americans aged 30 and older has periodontal disease. This chronic inflammatory disease affects the gum tissue and bone that supports the teeth. When left untreated, it leads to tooth loss. Periodontal disease also has been associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. Fortunately, gum disease is preventable and treatable. We’ll look at gum disease prevention and treatment options that you should consider.

Gum Disease Prevention and Treatment.

There are three stages of gum disease. The first stage, gingivitis, can often be reversed just by ramping up your dental routine. It’s characterized by bleeding gums when you brush and floss.

Your gums might be red or swollen. You may also notice bad breath that is difficult to get rid of. Your gums may be receding, or you might have loose teeth.

Brush your teeth after meals. Remember to brush your tongue to get any bacteria hiding there. Floss once a day to remove food particles and plaque along the gum line and in places your brush can’t reach.

Use mouthwash to reduce plaque and remove any remaining food particles that you might have missed. Keep up with your regular dental visits in Tulsa to ensure that your gingivitis doesn’t progress.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis and advanced periodontitis are the second and third stages of gum disease. You will have to get serious about treating gum disease to prevent further damage to your teeth.

The symptoms are typically similar to gingivitis but can be much more severe. Your gums may be bright red, swollen and tender. You may lose teeth or have perpetual toothaches. There may also be a buildup of pus in the mouth. You could experience a bad taste in your mouth, no matter what you do.

One of the first steps in treating periodontitis is generally a deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing. Your Tulsa dentist will remove all the plaque and tartar above and below the gumline.

Then, the dentist smooths out the teeth roots to help your gums reattach to the teeth and to prevent bacteria from attacking the roots. It may take more than one visit to complete the scaling and root planing. You may also be given a local anesthetic.

After a deep cleaning, you may experience sensitivity or mild pain. Your gums might be swollen or bleed during the healing process. Your dentist may recommend a mouth rinse to prevent infection.

Follow your dentist’s instructions for care after a deep cleaning. Your dentist might recommend visits at three month intervals for a year after the cleaning to ensure that the gum disease is not returning.

Treating Gum Disease Before Future Dental Work

If you have lost teeth and want to enhance your smile with cosmetic work, you will most likely have to treat gum disease before you get implants, braces or crowns.

But you’ll feel better after treatment because gum disease is like a chronic infection in your mouth.
Commit to good dental care and take care of your teeth. Request an appointment with Dr. Roulstonto treat your gum disease in Tulsa and get the smile you’ve always wanted.