Gum Disease

How Gum Disease Can be a Threat to Your Oral Health

Gum disease is one of the most common issues we encounter in our practice, yet many patients don’t realize they have it. In fact, about 80% of the patients we see show some form of gum disease, from mild gingivitis to more severe periodontal disease. The challenge? Most patients don’t recognize the early signs, as gum disease is often painless in its initial stages. By the time symptoms like loose teeth or gum recession appear, the damage is much harder to reverse. It’s important to seek gum recession treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Early intervention can help protect your oral health and avoid more complex treatments down the road.

Why Early Screening is Essential

The key to preventing gum disease from advancing is early detection. Unfortunately, many dental offices don’t prioritize comprehensive gum screenings, especially older practices. At our office, we screen every patient, every time they visit. This routine approach allows us to:

1. Establish a baseline for new patients.
2. Monitor subtle changes in gum health over time.
3. Catch gum disease in its earliest, most treatable stages.

By diagnosing gum issues early, we can intervene with less invasive and more cost-effective treatments, saving patients from extensive damage and costly procedures down the road.

The Early Signs of Gum Disease We Look For

During a gum screening, we thoroughly assess your gums for any signs of gum disease, even if you haven’t noticed noticeable symptoms. Many people may not realize that early gum disease can develop without obvious signs, which is why routine screenings are so important. The earliest indicators we check for include:

1. Puffy, red gums: Inflammation in your gums, causing them to become swollen and red, is often the first sign of trouble. This can occur when your gums are irritated by plaque buildup or tartar. If you notice that your gums appear puffy, this could indicate early gum disease or gingivitis, which can be treated if caught early.
2. Bleeding gums: Healthy gums don’t bleed when you brush or floss. If you notice bleeding during these activities, it’s a clear sign that your gums are inflamed. This is often a symptom of gingivitis or periodontal disease, both of which can lead to more serious oral health issues if left untreated.
3. Plaque buildup: Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. When plaque isn’t regularly removed through proper oral hygiene, it hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums. Plaque buildup is a major factor that can lead to gum infection, receding gums, and even bone loss if not addressed.

Even if you don’t exhibit these obvious symptoms, we still perform regular gum disease screenings to ensure that no hidden issues are developing. Many times, patients are unaware of the early stages of gum disease until we point it out. As gum disease progresses, it can cause pain, bad breath, and even result in tooth loss in severe cases.

By the time patients notice sensitivity to hot or cold foods, or pain when chewing, the disease may have already advanced. That’s why early intervention is essential. We strive to catch gum disease early, so you can maintain healthy gums and avoid serious complications like receding gums, bone loss, and tooth loss.

Regular check-ups are essential for preventing gum disease, even when you feel your gums are in good condition. Good oral hygiene and professional cleaning can remove tartar buildup, reduce inflammation, and improve overall oral health. If gum disease is detected, we can offer treatments to help restore gum health and prevent further damage.

Advanced Gum Disease Symptoms

If gum disease progresses, the symptoms become more noticeable and severe. As gum disease advances, common signs and symptoms we often observe include:

1. Gum recession: The gums begin to pull away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth root. Treatment for gum recession may include deep cleanings to control the infection and gum grafting procedures to restore lost gum tissue and protect the exposed roots. Receding gums can also increase sensitivity to hot and cold, making it uncomfortable to eat or drink certain foods and beverages.
2. Loose teeth: Patients may notice their teeth shifting or experience difficulty chewing certain foods due to looseness. As the disease progresses, the structures that hold the teeth in place weaken, making teeth more mobile and potentially causing a misalignment of the bite. This can lead to discomfort and additional oral health problems if left untreated.
3. Bone loss: X-rays can reveal the deterioration of the bone supporting the teeth, a common sign of advanced gum disease. Bone loss can lead to significant issues with tooth stability and may require interventions like bone grafting in certain cases to restore lost tissue and prevent further complications.
4. Persistent bad breath: Bad breath, or halitosis, is often a result of the bacteria present in the gums and mouth due to untreated gum disease. The bacteria produce sulfur compounds, causing foul-smelling breath that can persist even with regular brushing and flossing.

At this stage, patients may need more intensive treatments, such as deep cleanings, gum surgery, or, in severe cases, extractions. Early intervention is key to preventing the progression of gum disease and preserving both oral health and the overall well-being of the patient. If left untreated, advanced gum disease can lead to tooth loss, increased risk of infection, and other systemic health issues such as heart disease or diabetes complications.

Gum Recession Treatment Near You

Gum recession treatment focuses on addressing the underlying causes, managing symptoms, preventing further damage, and restoring lost gum tissue when necessary. While receding gums cannot regenerate naturally, a proactive at-home care routine can help slow the progression and ease discomfort. Key steps include brushing and flossing daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, using antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce plaque, avoiding tobacco use, and applying desensitizing toothpaste to reduce sensitivity. Additionally, maintaining proper dental hygiene can prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria that contribute to gum recession.

For individuals with advanced gum recession, in-office treatments may be required to restore gum health. These treatments can include the application of topical antibiotics to fight infection, dental bonding to cover exposed roots, orthodontic adjustments to correct misaligned teeth contributing to the recession, or gum graft surgery. Gum grafting, performed by a skilled periodontist, is a minimally invasive procedure that involves taking tissue from the roof of your mouth or a donor source to replace lost gum tissue. This helps protect exposed tooth roots, reduce sensitivity, and improve the overall appearance of your gums.

In some cases, regenerative treatments, such as tissue-stimulating proteins or lasers, may be used to encourage the growth of new gum tissue. These advanced techniques aim to not only halt the progression of gum recession but also regenerate some of the lost tissue to provide long-term protection for the teeth. While surgery is often necessary for severe cases, it’s important to remember that early intervention and ongoing care can significantly improve gum health and prevent the need for more invasive treatments down the line.

Regular checkups with a dentist or periodontist are essential for monitoring gum health and adjusting treatment plans as needed. A personalized approach, addressing both the symptoms and causes of gum recession, offers the best chance for restoring gum health and preventing further complications. Through a combination of professional treatments and diligent home care, gum recession can be effectively managed, enhancing both oral health and overall quality of life.