Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is the top cause of adult tooth loss. An infection caused by the overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth, this condition eventually leads to bone loss in the jaw and damage to the mouth’s soft tissues, which results in teeth and gums separating from each other, teeth loosening in the socket, and smiles falling apart. At Ingleside Family Dental in Ladson, SC, we provide gum disease prevention and treatment to prevent the progression of the disease and the destruction of oral health.
Symptoms Of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious dental infection, but it starts small. Millions of people don’t even know they’re suffering from it until they visit their dentist. This occurrence makes it even more important to get a dental cleaning and check-up every six months. Your Ladson dentist knows what to look for and will see the signs that you easily miss, especially in the earliest stage known as gingivitis.
If your disease has progressed to a more advanced stage, the symptoms will no longer be subtle. You’re likely to experience any, all, or a combination of the following:
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen gums
- Tender gums
- Sensitivity
- Toothache
- Redness
- Pain while chewing
- Gum recession
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
Treatment Options
No matter what stage of periodontal disease you may be experiencing, it will never go away on its own. Several good tooth-brushings are not enough to cleanse your mouth of the infection that is taking over either. You need dental intervention to treat and stop the disease and return your mouth to good health.
- Deep teeth cleaning: Also known as scaling and root planing, deep teeth cleaning is the scraping away of the build-up of bacteria, plaque, and tartar on your teeth and the edge of your gumline. The area is then smoothed out to prevent the clinging of bacteria again.
- Pocket reduction: In more advanced cases of gum disease, oral surgery may be necessary to remove bacteria from the pockets around the teeth and repair damaged bone.
- Antibiotics: A round of antibiotics are often prescribed along with physical gum disease treatment to fight further infection and promote healing. Antibiotics may be topical or a mouthwash or rinse.
How To Prevent Gum Disease
Even though gum disease is common, it is not inevitable. You can prevent this problem from developing at any age by following your dentist’s recommendations, including:
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day, at a minimum, to thoroughly cleanse your teeth and gums of food, bacteria, and plaque.
- See your dentist regularly: Schedule teeth cleanings and dental checkups for every six months so anything you can’t remove is scoured away and your dentist can look for signs of gum disease and other oral health problems.
- Do not smoke: Usage of any tobacco products in any form – smoked, chewed, or vaped – increases your risk of developing a gum infection.
- Report all medications: Tell your dentist every medication you’re taking so they can identify any that might cause dry mouth which contributes to gum disease.
If gum issues run in your family or if you’re pregnant or have diabetes, your chances of developing periodontal problems increase. Let your dentist know your oral health and medical history so you can avoid developing periodontal disease. And remember, it’s not just older adults who get gum disease – no matter what age you are, if you don’t take good care of your teeth your risk of problems increases.
Get Gum Disease Treatment In Ladson, SC
Take every oral health twinge, ache, or discomfort seriously, and see your Ladson, SC, dentist at Ingleside Family Dental right away to find out if you need treatment. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
