Gum Disease Treatment
If not treated, gum disease (also called periodontal disease) can harm the tooth-supporting bone as it is a bacterial infection affecting the gums.
What if I don't treat my gum disease?
Gum disease can have mild and easily overlooked initial signs, but it can lead to various painful, unattractive, and expensive oral health issues if not treated. It can also affect other parts of the body. Symptoms may include discomfort while chewing, receding gums, longer-looking teeth, and even loose or missing teeth.
Gum disease can cause several dental problems and also impact overall health. The bacteria responsible for periodontitis can enter the bloodstream through affected gums, potentially causing serious health issues in other areas of the body. Additionally, individuals with gum disease may struggle with medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and more.
Who needs gum disease treatment?
Most patients are suitable for gum disease treatments. Healthy gum tissue should be pale pink, firm, and fit tightly around each tooth. If your gums do not meet these criteria, you may be eligible for gum disease treatments to enhance your oral health. Some signs that gum disease treatment may be suitable for you include:
- Gums that are swollen or puffy
- Gum tissue that appears red or purple
- Tender gums
- Gums that easily bleed
- Unpleasant breath
- Gum tissue that is receding
Treating gum disease effectively
There are two types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is characterized by tender gums that easily bleed. To treat gingivitis, it is recommended to visit our Marion dental office more frequently for dental hygiene appointments. Our dentists may also prescribe medicated mouthwash to enhance your at-home oral care routine and prevent further gum infection.
Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease. It can be identified by chronic bad breath, loose teeth, pus between teeth, and a persistent unpleasant taste in the mouth. To treat periodontitis, our Marion dentists offer scaling and root planing or laser gum therapy. These treatments effectively remove bacteria and plaque from below the gum line, eliminating the infection and safeguarding the long-term health of your teeth and gums.