Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum line. If left untreated, periodontal disease can affect the bone that supports your teeth. Symptoms of gum disease can include swollen, tender, or bleeding gums. You could also be experiencing receding gums or persistent bad breath.
When your body senses threats like infections, lacerations, or foreign bacteria, it is designed to try to heal and protect the area being threatened. This response ideally kills off bacteria and helps to speed healing.
However, when your body detects plaque, tartar and bacteria in your mouth, instead of actively attacking the bacteria, your gums will try to protect themselves by receding.
If the early stages of gum disease are left untreated, gums will recede away from the teeth, which can trigger a variety of other dental and oral health problems.
Signs Of Gum Disease
Most patients in the early stages of gum disease don't even know they have it! Signs of gum disease may not appear until the disease has advanced, requiring you to receive more invasive treatment to get your smile healthy again.
However, you can be on the lookout for these symptoms of gum disease:
- Loose teeth or teeth separating from each other
- Mouth pain - including swollen and red gums
- Receding gums
- Excessive bleeding after brushing and flossing your teeth
- Mouth sores
- Consistent bad breath that doesn't respond to traditional treatment like mouthwash
- Noticeable pus between your teeth and gums
- Your partial dentures aren't fitting securely anymore
- A change in the way you bite and the way your teeth fit together
Gum disease hurts millions of people each year and many don't even know they don't have this serious condition until it has advanced!
If you're concerned you might be exhibiting symptoms of gum disease, schedule an appointment at Tulip Tree Dental Care with Dr. Hurcomb today!
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
A routine cleaning involves scaling your teeth and gumline to remove plaque and tartar, and polishing to remove stains and smooth the surfaces of your teeth. However, if you have symptoms of gum disease, you might need a different type of cleaning called scaling and root planing.
Scaling and root planing is a deep dental cleaning procedure Dr. Hurcomb performs to treat patients with current or developing gum disease. Not all patients need this level of cleaning, but it is key for patients who are showing symptoms of gum disease.
Gum Treatments
Gum disease increases your risk of systemic health problems, making it more difficult for your immune system to do its job. Ask Dr. Hurcomb how non-surgical periodontal therapy can help you avoid problems like heart disease, pneumonia, premature labor, and more.
Gingivitis Treatment
Gingivitis is often painless at first, making it difficult to diagnose without regular dental checkups. Inflammation of the gums can be a potentially serious condition, which is why it’s vital to get regular dental exams at Tulip Tree Dental Care.
If you have been diagnosed with or are concerned you might have gingivitis, Dr. Hurcomb offers a range of treatments to help you reverse or stop gum disease’s progression. If you are in the early stages of gingivitis, most treatment options are non-surgical procedures.
Have Questions About Your Gum Disease Treatment Options?
Are you seeing the signs of gum disease in your mouth? Are your gums tender, sore or bleeding after you brush and floss? Don't delay scheduling an appointment with our periodontist, Dr. Hurcomb, any longer!
Call us today to start getting the pain relief and healing your smile needs.
At our South Bend office, pediatric dentistry is about more than bright, healthy smiles. Dr. Hurcomb wants your child’s visit to be rewarding and fun.
