Gum disease is an extremely common dental concern that we treat in our Bethesda, MD dentist office. When gum disease occurs, this means that bacteria are eating away at your soft tissues and causing dental damage. Patients of all ages can be affected by gum disease. It’s important to visit your dentist if you suspect you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of gum disease. Learn more about our periodontal disease treatment approach below.
Periodontal Disease Treatment FAQs
Dr. Khanna restores smiles following gum disease progression with periodontal disease treatment plans. Below are answers to frequently asked questions regarding gum disease and treatment options.
How do I prevent gum disease progression?
The best way to prevent gum disease progression is to schedule routine preventative care appointments with your local dentist once every six months. Our dental professionals will provide thorough dental cleaning during our preventative care appointments to remove any buildup surrounding your gum line. If this buildup is allowed to remain on your gum line for too long, you will begin to notice the signs and symptoms of gum disease. This is why we highly suggest patients stay on top of scheduling their routine dental care.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Gum disease usually begins with mild gum bleeding, also known as gingivitis. As gum disease progresses, you may notice many other symptoms, including inflamed gums, increased tooth sensitivity, receding gum lines, bad breath, and even tooth loss. Addressing gum disease early is important to avoid these more severe symptoms.
How do you treat gum disease?
Periodontists treat Gum disease by cleaning away any bacteria along your gum line. If allowed to remain on your dental structures, this bacteria will eat away at your healthy soft tissues and cause an infection. For severe cases of gum disease, we may need to provide a deep cleaning of the pockets of your gums to remove deep bacteria.
Are bleeding gums a dental emergency?
If you notice. a small amount of blood in the sink following brushing or flossing, this is not necessarily a dental emergency but rather a sign that you must be more attentive to your oral hygiene and schedule your next dental cleaning as soon as possible. If the bleeding continues or becomes excessive, dental professionals consider this a dental emergency, and we would recommend contacting our office directly for further instruction.
What will happen if I do not treat my gum disease?
If you do not treat gum disease, it can lead to tooth loss and other health problems. In the early stages of gum disease, called gingivitis, the gums may become red, swollen, and bleed easily. Gingivitis can lead to periodontitis – a more serious form of gum disease that can cause tooth loss. Doctors also link gum disease to other health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. It is important to seek treatment for gum disease as soon as possible.
What should I avoid if I have gum disease?
If you have gum disease, you should avoid eating sugary foods and drinks and smoking. These are some of the worst things you can do for your dental health. It will only make your gum disease worse. You should also avoid drinking acidic beverages such as soda or fruit juice. Acidic drinks can damage your teeth and gums, increasing your risk of developing gum disease. Instead, drink plenty of water to help keep your mouth healthy.