Gum Disease Treatment in Huntsville, AL
Gum disease is a common oral health issue, affecting nearly half of American adults over 30. It’s a common problem, but there’s good news. If caught early, treatments for gum disease can be very successful. The key to prevention is maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular checkups so Dr. Clayton can detect issues before they worsen. These simple habits are your first line of defense, helping address any issues early so they can be treated quickly and effectively.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky, bacteria-filled substance that accumulates on your teeth throughout the day. When plaque isn’t cleaned off properly, it can irritate your gums, making them red, swollen, and prone to bleeding when you brush. If you notice a red tint in the sink after brushing, it could be a warning sign of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.
Left untreated, gum disease will begin to affect the periodontium—the soft tissue and bone that holds your teeth in place. This more advanced phase of gum disease is known as periodontal disease or periodontitis. Additional symptoms of this phase include sensitive teeth, sore or receding gums, and bad breath. As periodontitis progresses, the gums will begin to pull away from the teeth, creating spaces that trap bacteria. Once the bacteria enter the periodontal pockets, your toothbrush can no longer reach them. The bacteria eventually harden into tartar, which is so tough that only a dentist can effectively remove it.
Once you’ve reached this stage, the bacteria can reach the roots and affect the jawbone. As a result, your teeth can begin to shift or feel loose, and general discomfort increases. In the worst cases, teeth begin to fall out or need to be extracted to stop the spread of infection.
Causes of Gum Disease
The primary cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, which leads to plaque buildup. However, additional factors can heighten the risk:
- Smoking: Cigarette smokers have twice the risk of developing gum disease as non-smokers.
- Diabetes: When uncontrolled, diabetes causes an increase of glucose in your mouth fluids. This sugary liquid is what the bacteria in plaque feed on.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy: The CDC estimates that 60-75% of pregnant women develop gingivitis due to hormonal changes that exacerbate the effects of plaque on the gums.
- Medications: Certain medications can also cause the gums to swell, making them harder to clean.
- Genetics: Genetic predispositions make some people more susceptible to developing gum disease.
Treatment Options
Detecting gum disease early is key to treating it effectively. Treatment methods include:
- Better oral hygiene: Effective gum disease treatment hinges on excellent oral hygiene. This includes brushing twice and flossing once daily, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash, and regular dental checkups. While strong hygiene is important at every stage of gum disease, gingivitis can be reversed with an effective routine.
- Professional cleaning: A dental cleaning from Dr. Clayton can remove excess plaque and tartar, preventing inflammation from worsening.
- Scaling and root planing: These deep cleaning treatments remove bacteria and tartar from under your gum line.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical interventions might be needed to clean the roots of the teeth, close periodontal pockets, or extract teeth that are too damaged to save.
Laser Dentistry: A Gentle, Non-Surgical Treatment
Dr. Clayton uses a modern, non-surgical method called laser dentistry to treat gum disease. This technique uses laser light to target and treat affected areas with great precision, which results in less discomfort and swelling for the patient compared to conventional surgical methods.
Another significant advantage of laser treatment for gum disease is its ability to promote faster healing and tissue regeneration. The laser not only removes the infected tissue but also stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. This can lead to quicker recovery times and reduce the need for more invasive treatments such as surgery. Additionally, laser treatments are often less painful, which means patients may require less anesthesia during the procedure and experience less discomfort afterward.
Laser dentistry is also highly effective in sterilizing the treated area, significantly reducing the risk of infection. This is particularly important in treating gum disease, as it helps ensure that the bacteria causing the infection are effectively eliminated.
Act Early for Effective Gum Disease Treatment
Early detection of gum disease enhances the effectiveness of non-surgical treatment methods. If you’re worried about your gums or you’ve noticed any signs of gum disease, Dr. Clayton at Chase Family Dentistry is here to help. She’s an expert at diagnosing and treating gum disease and can find the best treatment plan for you. Don’t wait to restore your oral health. Schedule an appointment at Chase Family Dentistry today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Good oral hygiene is the foundation of gum disease treatment and prevention. Remember to brush twice daily using the proper technique. You should also floss and rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash daily. Regular dental checkups are also crucial. If you’re already seeing symptoms, Dr. Clayton can offer a range of treatments, from professional cleanings to deep cleaning treatments like scaling, root planing, or laser dentistry.
If you don’t treat gum disease, it can turn into periodontitis. Advanced periodontitis can cause your gums to recede, your teeth to become loose, and eventually, you might lose them. At this point, gum disease cannot be reversed and requires professional intervention. It’s important to visit an experienced dentist like Dr. Clayton for effective treatment.
While periodontal disease is more prevalent in adults, children may experience gingivitis. Teaching them good dental hygiene early on is important to prevent gum disease later in life.