Gum Disease Treatment in Dover

What Is Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease, often called gum disease, is an infection or inflammation of the gums and the tissues surrounding the teeth. It can cause the teeth to loosen, and in the later stages, the teeth can fall out because the tissues anchoring them have been destroyed. The unfortunate fact is that this can all be eliminated by exercising good oral hygiene habits.

What Are the Causes of Gum Disease?

Poor oral hygiene is the primary cause of gum disease and is responsible for most of the tooth loss in Americans who are over 35. When gum disease is treated in its early stage of gingivitis, it can be cured, and any damage can be reversed. However, reversing gum disease in its later stages of periodontitis and advanced periodontitis is not possible. At this point, the disease can only be treated and stopped from causing additional damage. Reconstructive dentistry is the only way to correct the damage this disease causes.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best way to avoid damage from gum disease. Brushing and flossing at least twice daily, using antibacterial mouthwash at least daily, and getting at least an annual checkup and cleaning from your dentist can help you prevent the substantial damage that gum disease can cause.

What Are the Gum Disease Symptoms?

Periodontal disease can be asymptomatic, so you can have gingivitis for a while without knowing. This is another reason for annual dental visits. Your dentist can detect the presence of gum disease even if you can't. If you have the following gum disease symptoms, you should immediately contact your dentist for an appointment.

• An odd or off taste in your mouth
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Chronic bad breath
• Red, sensitive, or swollen gums

Any of these gingivitis symptoms can indicate the presence of gum disease, so don't ignore them. Call our Dover office if you have questions about signs of gingivitis or need an appointment for a gingivitis cure.

What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?

If you notice any of the following, then you may have gum disease:

• Loose teeth
• Pockets of inflammation
• Pus between your gums and teeth
• Receding gums
• Swollen gums
• Uneven gaps between your teeth

If you have any of these gingivitis symptoms or signs of gingivitis, immediately contact your dentist for an appointment since you may be in one of the later stages of periodontal disease. If you receive a gum disease treatment or a gingivitis treatment without delay, the prognosis is much better than if you procrastinate. Your dentist can recommend improvements to your oral hygiene routine so that you achieve better oral health.

What Are the Stages of Gum Disease in Dover?

Gingivitis is the first stage, and it's the only stage at which there is a gingivitis cure and at which the damage can be reversed. Reversing this disease once it has reached the secondary stage of periodontitis or advanced periodontitis isn't possible. Reconstructive dentistry is the only way to reverse the damage of periodontitis.

When you've reached the stage of periodontitis, your jawbone and gum tissue have been permanently damaged. Pockets at your gumline will trap food particles and develop bacteria, which hastens the progression of the disease. You'll require more aggressive treatments, but unfortunately, there is no cure at this stage of the disease.

When you've reached the advanced periodontitis stage, you'll most likely have lost all your teeth, and your gum tissue will be destroyed. Your face may look like it has melted, and your jawbone will be weak from bone loss. Before you get to this stage, make an appointment with your dentist. Call our Dover office if you have questions or need to schedule an appointment.

How Can My Dentist Provide a Gingivitis Cure?

The earlier you seek gingivitis treatment, the better the prognosis. It's only at this stage that there is a gum disease cure, reversing gum disease in its later stage is not an option. If you think you need a gingivitis treatment, call our Dover office for an appointment. We can evaluate your condition and recommend improvements to your oral hygiene routine.

Can the Advanced Stages Be Successfully Treated?

If conservative treatment methods haven't been successful in curing your gingivitis symptoms, then your dentist may recommend a more aggressive treatment protocol that may include:

• Antibacterial rinses
• Professional scaling
• Root planing
• Surgery
• Referral to a specialist

Gum surgery is usually a last resort but may be the only option in extreme cases.

If you think you're in any stage of this disease, it's essential to obtain professional treatment without delay. We're one of the best in the area for treating gum disease in Dover, and we can help you regain your good oral health. If you have signs of gingivitis and are looking for a gingivitis cure, then call our office.