Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults over the age of 35. Fortunately, it is both preventable and treatable. In this blog post, we review the signs and symptoms of gum disease and treatment options.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a progressive dental disease that can negatively impact your gingival tissue, periodontal ligaments, underlying jawbone, and your teeth. It starts as gingivitis and advances to periodontitis. Gum disease is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria under the gumline. These bacteria produce toxins that irritate and eventually destroy the tissues supporting your teeth. Without treatment, the gums separate from the teeth, increasing your risk of bad breath, tooth decay, and tooth loss.
What Causes Gum Disease?
The main cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. Smoking and tobacco use, certain medications, genetics, diabetes, pregnancy, and poor diet can also contribute to the development of gum disease.
Warning Signs of Gum Disease
Some of the key signs of gum disease include:
- Swollen gums that feel tender
- Bleeding gums
- Red gums (instead of pink)
- Receding gums
- Tooth sensitivity, especially when consuming hot and cold foods and beverages or when brushing your teeth
- Persistent bad breath
Gum Disease Treatment in Fredericksburg, VA
At North River Dental Care, we offer periodontal therapy for each stage of gum disease. For those with gingivitis, we can suggest at-home oral health tips and perform a deep cleaning in-office that involves scaling and root planing to clear bacteria growth from under the gumline. For those with more advanced gum disease, we also offer long-term maintenance plans and antibiotic treatment to eliminate infection.
Contact us today to schedule your routine cleaning and checkup at North River Dental Care. During your exam, we check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. If we identify any problem areas, we'll work with you to determine the best treatment for your unique needs.
