PEACHTREE GUM DISEASE DENTIST | GREATER DENTAL HEALTH

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that gradually destroys the tissue and bone that support the teeth. There are two types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. While both are serious oral health issues, each progresses differently and requires different treatment methods.

Gingivitis is the milder form of gum disease and causes symptoms such as red and swollen gums that often bleed during brushing or flossing. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious forms of gum disease.

Periodontitis occurs when plaque buildup irritates the gum tissue and eventually causes gum recession. The deeper pockets between the teeth and gums can house more bacteria, and over time, the bacteria can erode the bone that supports the teeth. Eventually, tooth loss can occur.

Gum disease treatment must be started before the condition gets out of hand, or it can lead to tooth loss and other complications. If your gums bleed when you brush and floss your teeth, it could be a sign of gingivitis.

Other common symptoms include inflamed gums that are tender to the touch and bad breath that won’t go away. You might also notice red, swollen gums as well as gums that have pulled away from the teeth. Sometimes, the pockets that form between the teeth and gums become infected, which leads to pus formation in the pockets. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to visit our dentist for an evaluation as soon as possible.

• Bad breath
• Red, bleeding, or swollen gums
• Pockets between gums that are visible
• Gums that are visibly receding
• Pain in the gums, especially while chewing

Gum disease is a preventable condition, so it’s extremely important to practice good oral hygiene at home and have regular cleanings, checkups, and deep dental cleanings with the dentist.

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day helps to remove plaque from around your gums. You should also visit the dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning and checkup. Your dentist will look for signs of periodontal disease during your appointment, so it’s important to be open with your dentist about the health and condition of your oral health. If caught early, gum disease can be treated easily and effectively with deep cleaning procedures. But left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other serious health issues.

Infection in any area of the body spreads quickly. Early stages of gingivitis can cause inflammation in the gums in under a week and, within a few weeks, the infection could escalate from the gingivitis stage to slight periodontal disease. If you suspect you have gum disease, give us a call. We’re here to help!

The best thing a patient can do to prevent gum disease is to keep up with good oral care constantly. This includes brushing twice per day, flossing once per day, and scheduling regular dental cleanings. We’re here to help you get on a path to the greater dental health that you deserve.

Gum disease impacts more than just your teeth – it can affect the entire body. In fact, approximately 50% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease. Symptoms include red and swollen gums, tender or bleeding gums, and inflammation of the gum tissues.

If ignored, gingivitis can develop into more serious forms of gum disease like periodontitis. These symptoms may be mild at first but can lead to major and costly health complications in the future. Treating gum disease early will help prevent future complications from developing. This is why regular dental checkups are vital for preventing issues like cavities and gum disease. Contact our office today to schedule your routine checkup!

Gum disease treatment involves deep cleaning procedures, antibiotics, and oral surgery to remove diseased tissue from your gums and prevent the infection from spreading further. Our dentist may also suggest lifestyle changes to help prevent future infections from occurring.

Mild cases of gum disease can often be treated with scaling and root planing. This is a non-surgical procedure that involves cleaning plaque buildup from below the gum line with a scraping tool and smoothening rough spots on the tooth roots to prevent bacteria from getting trapped there again.

Laser dentistry can also be used to treat small pockets in the gums that have formed due to the infection. For severe cases of gum disease, our dentist may recommend periodontal flap surgery or guided tissue regeneration. Both involve surgically removing the infected portions of the gum tissue in order to better restore your oral health.

Yes, in most cases, it is. You can prevent gum disease by maintaining good oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing every day and seeing your dentist for regular exams and professional cleanings.

If you smoke or use tobacco products, quitting these unhealthy habits will also reduce your risk of gum disease.