When you brush your teeth do you see traces of blood after rinsing your mouth? That coppery taste that’s left behind from hints of blood in your saliva could be a sign that you’re developing gum disease, a real concern for your oral and overall health. Your dentist is here to help you recover optimal oral health with these different types of periodontal therapy.
You Need to Know the Signs of Gum Disease
Symptoms of gum disease can be easily identified. If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, but you’re not sure if this is the real problem, you should reach out to your local dentist for a real diagnosis.
- Swollen, red gums.
- Tenderness while brushing and flossing.
- Bleeding while completing your dental routine.
- An unpleasant smell or taste around the area of tenderness.
- Loose feeling teeth.
- Signs of gum recession or sensitivity.
- Pockets or bulges along the gum line.
- Chronic bad breath.
Research has shown that advanced gum disease can lead to severe health concerns like diabetes, strokes, and heart disease. Simple brushing, flossing, and keeping regular dental appointments can reduce your chances of developing health problems.
Dental Professionals Are Here to Help
Gum disease advances in different stages. Dentists are trained to keep prevent gum health issues and also treat them at all stages. If one of our dental professionals notice that you have mildly inflamed gums, he may recommend that you visit your dentist for more frequent cleanings. If there are more advanced signs of gum disease, your dentist may recommend one of the forms of periodontal therapy.
Understanding Periodontal Therapy
Even though advanced gum disease isn’t curable, your dentist can work with you to treat gum disease accordingly once it’s already set in. In most cases, you can expect painless, non-surgical therapy including:
Scaling
A non-surgical, systematic removal of plaque along the gum line.
Root Planing
After scaling your smile, your dentist may remove infected roots and smooth existing roots to encourage new, healthy growth.
Antibiotic Therapy
If the infection is deep set into your gums, your dentist may recommend taking an antibiotic to stop the infection from spreading.
Oral Surgery
In very severe cases of gum disease, you may have to receive surgical treatments. This happens when patients are facing tooth loss and other concerns. Depending on the practice, your dentist may work with a trusted periodontist to help you receive the specialized treatments your smile needs to revitalize its health.