Patients often overlook their gums, but gum health is vital for a healthy smile and body. Gum disease links to many medical issues, like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Managing gum health is a key service at our Virginia Beach dental practice.
We offer periodontal screenings at every exam to check for gingivitis and gum disease. If you have signs of gum disease, we provide various treatments to control the infection. When caught early, gum disease is treatable and even a reversible dental concern. It’s crucial to treat it early to prevent progression to periodontitis, which is harder to manage.
Treatment For Gum Disease
The sooner you seek treatment for gum disease, the simpler your options will be. Gum disease has two main stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Each stage has different symptoms, and many patients don’t realize they have gum disease until it gets severe.
Dr. Cappy Sinclair and Dr. Mark Reichley use laser dentistry to help with periodontal therapy. These powerful tools let them provide more comfortable and gentle treatment for gum disease. The Waterlase dental laser helps treat and repair damaged gum tissue that might have needed surgery before.
Gingivitis Treatment
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease that causes gum inflammation. People with gingivitis often have bleeding gums when brushing or flossing. During treatment, the dentist removes plaque from your teeth and gums.
Your dentist might suggest using antibacterial rinses and other aids at home to reduce inflammation and cure gingivitis. Patients with recurring gingivitis may need more frequent teeth cleanings at our dental office.
Periodontitis Treatment
If you have periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease, it can harm your gums and weaken your teeth. You might need more intensive treatment. We offer scaling and root planing to help with periodontitis. These procedures clean deep gum pockets to remove bacteria and debris.
In severe cases, you might need surgery. We can refer you to a local trusted periodontist for gum surgery.
Signs & Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease is often a “silent disease” because there may be no obvious symptoms until it reaches the advanced stages. The most common signs of gum disease include the following:
- Bleeding gums
- Gum pain and sore gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Stomachaches
- Persistent bad taste in your mouth
- Tooth discoloration
- Pain when eating or brushing your teeth
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Change in the fit of dentures
How to Prevent Gum Diseases from Occurring
Gum disease is an infection that can lead to tooth loss if not treated early. If your gums bleed often, it might be a sign of gum disease. To prevent it, brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, and floss daily. If flossing isn’t your thing, try using an interdental brush.
Also, be sure to visit our dentist or hygienist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. During these visits, we can check for early signs of gum disease and provide treatments to stop problems before they get worse.
Also, try to avoid tobacco products, as they can raise your risk of gum disease. Smoking irritates gum tissue and affects how well your gums and bones work. It also reduces saliva flow, which helps clean your mouth and fight acids.
Finally, eat a balanced diet and cut back on sugary snacks and drinks. Sugary foods can create plaque, which leads to tooth decay, swollen gums, and gum disease. The sticky sugar can also get stuck between your teeth and gums, causing more irritation.
If you notice any problems between visits, like bad breath, bleeding or swollen gums, or gums that are pulling away from your teeth, contact our dental care team right away.
Gum Disease FAQs
Gum disease is a serious condition that can cause severe damage to your gums and teeth. With the right information, you can take steps to manage this issue and repair your gums before it’s too late. The following are answers to some of your questions regarding this silent disease.
Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush my teeth?
No. Bleeding gums can be from a number of things, such as poor oral hygiene, brushing too hard, infrequent brushing, certain medications, gum disease, or a Vitamin K deficiency.
Brushing or flossing too hard can sometimes make your gums bleed, but usually, bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease. Pregnant women often have bleeding gums because of changes in their bodies. However, regular dental visits are important for everyone. If your gums are bleeding, let your dentist know as soon as possible.
Can gums recover from gum disease?
Gums can heal from gum disease with the right treatment. If your dentist finds the problem early, they can reverse gingivitis. But once gum disease gets worse, it can’t be completely cured.
Even though it can’t be cured, your dentist can help manage it with good dental care. With the right treatment and regular check-ups, you can improve your gum health and prevent more damage.
Is gum disease permanent?
No, dentists can help you reverse gum disease using appropriate treatments. However, gum disease can become severe and cause permanent damage to the soft tissue and jaw bone if you do not address it in time.
Our dentist can treat and reverse the first stage of gum disease if caught early. As the disease progresses, it can become permanent. A dentist or periodontist can treat the next three stages, but cannot reverse advanced periodontitis. You may require gum surgery or other intense forms of treatment for advanced periodontitis.
Can saltwater rinse heal gum infection?
A saltwater rinse can help heal and soothe gum infections! It’s a simple home remedy that can reduce inflammation and help your gums heal. The salt in the water helps remove bacteria and toxins from the infected area and has antiseptic properties to kill germs.
To make a saltwater rinse, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. The warmth and salt help calm your gums and clear out the infection. Saltwater rinses can also help prevent gum disease by keeping your gums healthy. If you have a gum infection, this rinse might be a good treatment option for you.
Schedule A Dental Exam & Periodontal Consultation
Your gums can heal from gum disease with the right care. Early treatment includes controlling the infection with medication and improving your oral hygiene. With regular dental visits and good care, we can quickly and effectively treat gum inflammation.
If you are searching for a dentist who treats gum disease near Norfolk, Chesapeake, or Virginia Beach areas, contact our office today. Schedule an appointment and find the best treatment for you.