Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and occasionally the bone surrounding a tooth. Gum disease can affect one or many teeth, and individuals can suffer from many stages of gum disease, ranging from mild gingivitis to more serious periodontitis. In this blog post, our team at Brandon Gate Dental tells you all you need to know about seeking treatment for periodontal treatment near you.
Stages of Gum Disease
When it comes to gum disease, there are four main stages as outlined below:
#1 Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the mildest and earliest form of gum disease, and it most often shows symptoms such as swollen and red gums. If caught in this stage, gum disease is entirely reversible through a professional dental cleaning and attention from a dentist in Malton.
#2 Chronic Periodontitis
This is the most common form of fully-fledged gum disease. The symptoms here include receding gums and the formation of pockets between the teeth and gums. This most often occurs in adults, and the majority of individuals who suffer from chronic periodontitis are older than 35 years of age.
#3 Aggressive Periodontitis
Aggressive periodontitis can occur in children as young as three, and by the age of twenty, most of those with this condition can lose their teeth.
#4 Necrotizing Periodontitis
Of all forms of gum disease, this is by far the most severe. This condition destroys ligaments, tissues, and bones in the mouth. This form of gum disease is most common in those who smoke or those who have other conditions that affect their immune systems, such as HIV/AIDS.
Gum Disease Treatments
There are many options for gum disease treatment in Malton. The treatment of gum disease may be non-surgical or surgical, depending on the severity of the disease and your personal preferences.
Non-surgical treatment options for gum disease include a deep-cleaning procedure called root planing and scaling along with antibiotics. Sometimes, a dentist near you may use laser therapy to make the procedure more effective and less painful.
Surgical treatment for gum disease involves procedures to reduce the size of gum pockets that have formed due to infection, as well as procedures to regenerate lost bone and tissue and procedures to remove excess gum tissue.
The successful treatment of any form of gum disease depends partly on getting regular dental cleanings and exams and following an excellent oral hygiene routine. If you regularly use tobacco products or smoke, you should quit. Tobacco can interfere with successful gum disease treatment and contribute to the risk of recurrence.
Preventing Gum Disease
The best way to prevent gum disease and maintain excellent oral health is to follow an excellent oral hygiene routine of brushing twice a day for at least two minutes and flossing once a day. On top of this, you need to visit a dental clinic at least once every six months for professional dental cleanings and exams. Ensure that you eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables and that you call a dentist at the first sign of any oral health problems.
If you would like to learn more about gum disease treatment and how to prevent gum disease, please don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated team of dental professionals at Brandon Gate Dental.