What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. When plaque isn’t removed from the teeth and builds up, it hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums, causing them to pull away from the teeth and create pockets. Plaque buildup also irritates the gum tissue, causing inflammation and bleeding.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

When you see your dentist for a checkup, he/she will check for signs of gum disease. Early forms of gum disease often have no symptoms, which is why it’s important to visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.

How is gum disease diagnosed?

Gum disease can be difficult to detect because it often starts out as gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums. This process begins with plaque buildup along the gum line, which irritates the gums and causes them to become inflamed.

This can be reversed with good oral hygiene at home, but if it continues, it can lead to a more serious condition called periodontitis. Periodontitis is an infection of the gums that results from plaque buildup along the gum line. Once the gums become inflamed, bacteria begin to spread below the gum line, which can damage the soft tissue and bones that make up the teeth.

How is gum disease treated?

When gum disease is present, a dentist may recommend a number of treatment options. Often, the first goal of treatment is to control the infection. This is usually done with a deep cleaning that goes below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar deposits. Scaling and root planing are the most commonly used deep cleaning treatments.

Preventing gum disease

If you are susceptible to gum disease, it’s important that you’re proactive in preventing it. In addition to undergoing a deep cleaning when you visit the dentist, there are a few things you can do at home to make sure your smile stays healthy.

First, make sure you are brushing for two minutes at least twice a day. This can help prevent plaque from building up on your teeth, which can turn into tartar.

In addition to brushing, make sure you are flossing regularly. Flossing can remove plaque from between the teeth and along the gum line, which your toothbrush can’t reach.

Make sure you visit the dentist every six months for your regular exams and cleanings. This can help keep your smile healthy and prevent problems in the future.

Alternatives to treating gum disease

Innovative technology has come a long way in dental treatment.

In the past, treating gum disease meant dealing with a lot of pain. Traditional scaling and root planing (SRP) is incredibly painful because the process requires a dentist to physically scrape off the bacteria on and around your teeth. Fortunately, there are dental lasers available. These dental lasers can treat gum disease without causing any pain. Our team of dentists uses laser therapy to treat gum disease because it’s fast and effective. Moreover, the treatment is more comfortable than a traditional SRP, and most patients are able to recover from the treatment faster than they would with the traditional treatment.

What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease which destroys the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. As the disease progresses, pockets start to form around the your teeth, allowing plaque and tartar to build up. Over time, your gum tissue can start to pull away from your teeth.

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that involves irritation and inflammation of the gums. Symptoms include swollen, red or bleeding gums. Some people may notice that their gums are receding or pulling away from their teeth. The first stage of gingivitis is known as plaque-induced gingivitis. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. It can cause the gums to become inflamed when it builds up.

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What is

Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue and jawbone. Early warning signs of the disease include tender, swollen gums that may bleed easily. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.

Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup along the gum line, so preventing plaque buildup with regular brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent gum disease.

If gum disease is caught in the early stages, we can usually treat it with professional cleanings and improved at-home care. More advanced cases require deep cleanings, surgery, or oral medication.