Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a common yet highly damaging oral health issue that many Americans face. Gum disease begins as gingivitis, or gum inflammation marked by red, inflamed, and bleeding gums. Harmful bacteria collect on the gums over time, eventually leading to gum recession and tooth loss as gum disease progresses. Dr. Jomana Shayota provides periodontal disease treatment in Franklin, MI, to restore patients’ oral health and function. We also provide additional restorative dental treatments to new and existing patients.
Common Symptoms of Gum Disease
What begins as gum inflammation, or gingivitis, can worsen over time into gum disease. Patients with gum disease can often experience:
- Bleeding gums
- Sensitive gums
- Bad breath
- Gum recession
- Mouth sores
- Loose teeth
If you notice a change in your gums, especially if you see bleeding when you brush and floss your teeth, contact our office. Gum disease begins with bleeding and inflamed gum tissue but can eventually lead to gum pockets that loosen permanent teeth.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease occurs when harmful bacteria irritate the gums. Bacteria feed on sugars and starches in the mouth, creating digestive acids that wear down gum tissue. Over time, gum disease can destroy the natural bone and tissue. Early prevention and dental care can prevent gum and tooth loss.
There are multiple stages of gum disease:
- Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease and the only reversible stage. Gingivitis is also known as gum inflammation, which is marked by bleeding and irritated gum tissue.
- Mild Periodontitis: As gum inflammation becomes gum disease, you may notice increased and regular gum pain. The disease begins to affect the bone, and the gums start to pull away from the teeth.
- Moderate Periodontitis: At this stage, you will notice deep gum pockets as the gums recede. Bad breath, chronic gum pain, and even pus can develop if you have moderate gum disease.
- Advanced Periodontitis: This is the final stage of gum disease. You will need gum surgery to repair lost gum and bone. Loose teeth and even tooth loss can occur at this stage.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Franklin, MI
We recommend laser dentistry or a thorough dental cleaning for patients with gum disease. Your gum treatment will depend on the stage of the disease. Sometimes, a deep cleaning is enough to keep gum problems in check. However, we may need to remove infected gum tissue as needed.
We use a dental laser to remove infected gum tissue during a gingivectomy. The laser targets the tissue without harming surrounding healthy gum tissue. Soft tissue dental lasers use light and heat to accurately cut and contour the mouth’s tissues. Lasers are an effective technology that provides quiet and comfortable treatment. Compared to traditional surgical tools, lasers create less bleeding and discomfort.
Scaling and root planing are deep cleaning treatments to clean plaque and tartar from the gums. Plaque is a bacterial buildup that irritates the gum tissue. Over time, plaque hardens to form tartar, which is much harder to remove with brushing and flossing. We can remove plaque and tartar during routine dental cleanings, while scaling and root planing offer a more thorough treatment.
During scaling, we remove plaque and tartar from the gum line and even go beneath the gums to remove bacterial buildup. Root planing removes bacterial buildup from the tooth roots, which also helps the roots attach to the gums. We will help you schedule regular deep cleanings if you have chronic gum disease.
Gum Treatment: Post-Op Instructions
It is normal to experience some bleeding and sensitivity following gum disease treatment. We recommend taking pain medication and applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek.
Avoid soda, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. Acidic foods and beverages can irritate the treated areas. Avoiding spicy or hard foods like chips and nuts is also a good idea. Refrain from using tobacco products after gum treatment. Tobacco products can slow the healing process.
Eat soft foods like pasta, yogurt, and mashed potatoes. Crunchy or hard foods can also irritate treatment sites. Depending on the type of treatment, you can gently brush and floss the same day or 24 hours after gum treatment. We will provide specific instructions on when you can brush and floss.
When you brush your teeth and gums, use a soft toothbrush and avoid toothpaste with abrasive ingredients. Gently caring for your gums will ensure that they heal in no time.
Can You Prevent Gum Disease?
Regular dental care and lifestyle changes can lessen the chance of developing gum disease. Follow these tips to help prevent gum problems:
Brush and Floss Properly
It’s possible to reverse the early stages of gum disease. If you notice your gums bleed when you brush and floss, continue to regularly and gently clean your mouth—floss before brushing your teeth at least once daily to remove food and bacteria between your teeth.
Then, gently brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush. If you use a manual toothbrush, brush in circular motions. An electric toothbrush will brush for you. Make sure that you brush for two minutes twice a day.
Avoid Tobacco Products
Smoking, vaping, and using other tobacco products can increase your chance of developing gum disease. Nicotine restricts the blood vessels and makes it hard for the gums to heal if you develop gum disease. This makes it harder to treat gum disease if you smoke.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Some patients may think they don’t need dental cleanings. However, even with a good oral hygiene routine, reaching some areas of the mouth can be hard. As plaque, a sticky bacterial film, hardens, it creates tartar. Tartar can build on the gums and between teeth, irritating and inflaming the gum tissue.
Only a hygienist can remove tartar. Visiting the dentist for regular dental cleanings can remove bacterial buildup contributing to gum disease. We can also provide treatment recommendations if we notice signs of gum disease.
Address Gum Problems Today
Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? Are your gums sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks? Contact Dental House and Aesthetics for gum disease treatment in Franklin, MI, today at (248) 963-7925. You can also request a dental appointment with Dr. Shayota on our website.