Gum or periodontal disease is a progressive condition that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. In its early stage, known as gingivitis, gums become inflamed due to plaque buildup at the gum line. Over time, the inflammation can spread and deepen throughout your gums. This can result in bone and tissue loss and pockets forming between your teeth and gums. Once these pockets form, it is easy for bacteria and infection to develop. Treatment options depend on the progress of the condition and overall health profile. At Greater Dental Health, we personalize our treatments to fit our patient’s unique needs. We recommend visiting us at least twice yearly for complete exams and cleanings to help prevent gum disease and other general oral health issues.

The Causes of Gum Disease

Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth over time. When you don’t brush and floss properly, this film can quickly build up and contribute to many serious oral health issues. Plaque can harden into tartar, so visiting your dentist regularly for preventive care and cleanings is essential.

If you do not remove plaque, it will continue to eat away at your tooth enamel and cause cavities. It can also infect your gums and lead to periodontal disease if left untreated for too long. If caught early, the disease can be treated by a professional to remove the bacteria buildup and protect your smile from further complications.

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

At-home care is the first step in treating gum disease. This includes brushing twice daily and flossing daily to remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth. This helps to prevent bad breath and tooth decay. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks can also help keep your mouth clean. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can also help kill bacteria. You may need additional treatment if at-home care and regular dental cleanings do not improve your symptoms. You may need deep cleaning and root planing if your gum pockets are deeper than usual. Your dentist or hygienist may recommend scaling and root planing in these cases. In this treatment, they will scrape away tartar from above and below the gum line and smooth the tooth roots to help prevent new bacteria from accumulating in the pockets. You may need to have this treatment done over a few appointments. After your procedure, you should follow proper oral hygiene practices at home to avoid future infections.

Visit Greater Dental Health at 5210 Town Center Blvd Suite 310, Floor 2, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092, or call (470) 508-0044 to start down the path toward a healthy smile! We look forward to meeting you soon and providing you and your family with the dental care you need for a lifetime of good oral health.