Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions, with well over 50% of the American population having some form of it. Not only is this widespread issue cited as the leading cause of tooth loss in the US, but it’s also been linked to increasing a person’s risk of serious systemic health issues. Thankfully, gum disease in Jacksonville can be easily treated and reversed if caught early enough. Read on to find out what stages of gum disease can be “cured and which will cause permanent damage to your smile.
Symptoms & Treatments for Gingivitis
When plaque and tartar build up around your gumline, the bacteria they contain attack your gum tissue. If an infection develops, it’s known as gingivitis. This early stage of gum disease can be easy to overlook since it causes subtle symptoms like:
- Puffy, bright red, or inflamed gums.
- Gum tissue that bleeds easily, especially when brushing or flossing.
- Chronic bad breath.
Since gingivitis is the only stage of gum disease that can be “cured,” it’s essential that these warning signs are spotted and stopped right away. If these symptoms can’t be managed at home with improved oral hygiene, your Jacksonville dentist may recommend a periodontal therapy treatment known as scaling and root planning. This method thoroughly cleans out the bacteria beneath your gumline to eliminate the infection. Then, the roots of your teeth are smoothed out to discourage future accumulation of bacteria and infection. This also encourages the gum tissue to reattach to the teeth and promotes faster healing.
Identifying & Managing Periodontitis
If gingivitis is left untreated, the bacterial infection may progress into periodontitis, the more advanced stage of gum disease. At this point, the bacteria have begun to attack the jawbone and cause permanent damage, which causes symptoms like:
- Receding gums that form deep pockets in front of the teeth.
- Soreness, swelling, and discharge from the gum tissue.
- Shifting, loose teeth that may fall out.
Eventually, the bacteria and inflammation it causes may travel to other parts of the body. While more research is needed, studies have connected the bacteria and inflammation associated with periodontitis to a variety of severe health concerns like respiratory infections, memory loss, and heart disease.
While periodontitis cannot be reversed, there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and get your oral health back on track. Your dentist may recommend seeing a gum specialist, who may suggest treatments such as prescription mouthwash, gum or jawbone grafting, or surgical services.
Tips for Preventing Gum Disease
As the saying goes, prevention is the best medicine. There are a variety of easy yet effective habits that can go a long way in keeping gum disease at bay. To maintain healthy, infection-free gums, remember to:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day.
- Floss thoroughly and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash daily.
- Cut back on sugary snacks that fuel bacteria.
- Eat a nutritious diet that’s high in vitamin C.
- See your dentist twice a year for routine checkups.
If you begin to notice that you’ve developed symptoms that could be warning you of gum disease, be sure to see your dentist right away. With early detection and effective periodontal therapy, they can help keep your smile and your gums happy and healthy.
About the Practice
At Jacksonville Complete Dentistry, our team of highly trained dentists take gum disease very seriously. That’s why they perform a dedicated gum health check during every routine visit to look for any suspicious symptoms that may need to be treated. They also offer thorough yet gentle periodontal therapy to help their patients overcome gingivitis and get their health back on track. If you’re concerned about your bleeding gums, don’t hesitate to contact them via their website or at (904) 645-6457.