Patients often overlook their gums, but gum health is essential for a healthy smile and a healthy body. For example, doctors link gum disease to a number of medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Managing gum health and even gum disease is an important service in our Virginia Beach dental practice.
We offer periodontal screenings at every exam to look for signs of gingivitis and gum disease. If you have signs of gum disease, we can offer a wide range of treatment options to treat and control infection. When caught early, gum disease is an easily treatable and even reversible dental concern. It is important to treat gum disease in its early stages to prevent progression to periodontitis, which is more difficult to treat.
Treatment For Gum Disease
The sooner you seek treatment for gum disease, the more conservative your treatment options are. There are two key stages of gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis. Each stage can have a progression of symptoms. Typically, patients do not realize they have gum disease until the later stages when damage to the gums affects the teeth or gums become significantly irritated.
Dr. Cappy Sinclair and Dr. Mark Reichley use laser dentistry to aid in periodontal therapy. These high-powered instruments allow them to provide more comfortable and conservative treatment for gum disease. The Waterlase dental laser enables them to treat and repair damaged or diseased gum tissue that may have previously required oral surgery.
Gingivitis Treatment
Gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, is an inflammation of the gums. It is common for people with gingivitis to experience bleeding gums when brushing their teeth or flossing. During gingivitis treatment, the dentist removes plaque from exposed parts of the teeth and gums.
Your dentist may recommend antibacterial rinses and other aids to use at home to reduce inflammation and cure gingivitis. Patients with recurring gingivitis may benefit from more frequent teeth cleanings in our dental office.
Periodontitis Treatment
If you have periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, it can cause permanent damage to gum tissue and weaken the teeth. You may need to provide more intensive treatment. Scaling and root planing are procedures that clean the deep pockets of the gums to remove bacteria and debris. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary.
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 are:
- Bleeding gums
- Gum pain
- Sore gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
Gum Disease FAQs
Gum disease is a serious condition that can cause severe damage to your gums and teeth. However, 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. While overaggressive brushing or flossing can cause bleeding gums, it is more often the case that bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease. Pregnant women more frequently experience bleeding gums because of changes taking place in the body. Routine visits are important for everyone at every age. If you have bleeding gums, tell your dentist.
Can gums recover from gum disease?
Yes, but not without medical intervention. If your dentist catches the issue early, he can reverse the effects of gingivitis. Once it progresses into further stages, patients should be aware that the disease is no longer curable. While gum disease is not curable, your dentist can treat it and manage it with proper dental care. With the right treatment plan and regular check-ups, patients suffering from gum disease can recover their gums and avoid further damage.
Is gum disease permanent?
Your dentist can treat and reverse the first stage of gum disease if caught early. As the disease progresses, it becomes permanent. The dentist or periodontist can treat the next three stages, but cannot reverse the disease.
Can saltwater rinse heal gum infection?
Saltwater rinse can help heal and soothe gum infections! Saltwater rinse is a popular home remedy for treating gum infection. People use it to help reduce inflammation and promote healing of the gums. The salt in the water helps to draw out bacteria and other toxins from the infected area, while also providing antiseptic properties that can help kill off any remaining bacteria.
The best way to create a saltwater solution is with 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. The salt and warmth help soothe gums and gradually clear out the infection. Saltwater rinse can also be a preventative measure against gum disease, as it helps to keep the gums healthy and free from infection. So if you are suffering from gum infection, saltwater rinse may be an effective treatment option for you.
Schedule A Dental Exam & Periodontal Consultation
If you are searching for a dentist who treats gum disease near Norfolk, VA, Chesapeake, VA, or Virginia Beach areas, contact our office today. Schedule an appointment to learn what the best treatment option for you is.