Do your gums bleed when you floss? Are they red or sore? If so, you might be in the beginning stages of periodontal disease, also called gum disease. Your dentist or dental hygienist will let you know how healthy your gum tissue is each time you come in for a visit, so as long as you’re keeping your twice-yearly appointments, periodontal disease should not sneak up on you. If it’s been a while since you’ve been in, however, or if you have had gingivitis and your condition is not improving, you might be at risk of developing a more advanced case of gum disease.
It’s important to understand your treatment options when it comes to periodontal disease. Leaving things alone and not treating the problem can lead to bone loss, loose teeth and, in some cases, even heart problems! Here are some of the ways that your gum disease might be treated. Your dentist will let you know which types of treatment are recommended for your specific case.
Better Oral Hygiene
If you have been diagnosed with gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, you’re in luck: Many times, with very good oral hygiene and dental care, you can halt gingivitis in its tracks. First, you’ll need to have a good, thorough professional cleaning. Most patients will come back every six months for continued cleanings, but in some cases, we might need to see you back every three months, at least until the condition is resolved. Also, depending on how advanced your case is, you might be treated by your general dentist or you might be referred to a periodontist, which is a dentist who specializes in gum disease.
At home, you’ll need to brush after each meal and floss every single night. Flossing removes the plaque and bacteria between the teeth and under the gumline, so it’s absolutely essential that you do not skip this step! By the time you come in for your next cleaning after your diagnosis, most of your gum inflammation, bleeding and redness should have subsided. If it hasn’t, it means that your periodontal disease might have progressed into periodontitis.
Medications
Prescription-strength mouthwashes can help remove bacteria and, in turn, help your gums heal. These should be used exactly as prescribed.
If a periodontist does a deep cleaning of your gum tissue, sometimes he or she will apply antibiotic gel directly to the infected areas of your gums. This gel dissolves over time and should help control any infection present.
In other cases, you might be given oral antibiotics to take, either just for a week to ten days to control an acute infection, or a much lower dose to take for several weeks or months. These antibiotics must be taken as prescribed, and you should not stop taking them without talking to your dentist first.
Surgical Options
Finally, in severe cases, oral surgery might be indicated. A periodontist will generally be the one to perform the procedure. Your gums in the affected areas can be lifted back and the roots of your teeth can be cleaned very well. In some cases, a bone graft might be necessary. The gums are sewn back in place and then healing can take place.
The best thing about gum disease is that it’s usually quite preventable. Brush your teeth two to three times daily, floss every day, don’t smoke, and see your dentist regularly. If you do develop periodontal disease, be sure to comply with your dentist’s instructions to help your gums heal and get healthy.
If you are experiencing bleeding when you floss, pain while chewing, red or painful gums, or any other symptoms that bother you, please give us a call right away to schedule a checkup.
