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Expert Care for Preventing and Treating Gum Disease
At Cocalico Dental, we focus on preventing and treating gum disease to protect your oral health. Gum disease is widespread, and many adults will experience it at some point. It can lead to serious issues like bone and tooth loss, so early intervention is crucial. If you're in the Denver, PA, we can assess your gum health, identify any signs of disease, and provide recommendations for prevention and treatment. Schedule an appointment today by calling (717) 336-2807
Causes of Gum Disease
Gum disease can arise from several factors, primarily plaque and tartar buildup. When food particles get trapped between your teeth, gums, or beneath the gum line, they can cause irritation and inflammation. While plaque is a common issue, it’s the accumulation beneath the gums that poses the most significant risk. Additional risk factors include pregnancy, diabetes, and smoking, as these conditions can reduce blood flow to the gums, leading to swelling and increased susceptibility to gum disease.
Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
To prevent gum disease and avoid discomfort or additional health issues, maintaining a thorough oral hygiene routine is crucial. At Cocalico Dental, we advise our Denver, PA patients to brush their teeth two to three times daily using a circular motion to effectively remove food particles and plaque from the gums. Daily flossing is essential as well, ensuring you reach beneath the gum line to clean thoroughly. Incorporating an antiseptic mouthwash can further help in eliminating lingering bacteria.
Additionally, professional cleanings are vital. While brushing and flossing are important, they cannot remove all plaque and tartar. We recommend visiting our office at least twice a year for comprehensive cleanings to address plaque and tartar buildup and reduce your risk of gum disease. Moreover, adopting a healthy lifestyle — such as quitting smoking, managing blood sugar levels, and drinking plenty of water — can also contribute significantly to better gum health.
Common Signs of Gum Disease
Some of the most common signs of gum disease are:
Red and swollen gums
Bleeding gums when brushing, flossing, or eating crunchy foods
Teeth appearing longer, which may indicate gum recession
Loose teeth
If you notice any of these symptoms, we recommend scheduling an examination with our dental office.
Treatment Options for Gum Disease
Treatment for gum disease varies depending on its severity. Initially, we often recommend a standard teeth cleaning, which can effectively address early-stage gum disease. However, if the condition has advanced, additional treatments may be necessary. These could include:
Periodontal Infection Therapy: This involves using chemical treatments to slow the growth of gum disease. Your dentist might prescribe an antiseptic mouth rinse to help reduce or fight the disease by killing bacteria.
Deep Cleaning: Also known as scaling and root planing, this procedure is often carried out in multiple visits. The gums are pulled away from the teeth so that plaque and tartar can be scraped off. While this process can cause some discomfort, modern techniques, such as lasers, can make it more efficient.
Gum Grafts: For cases where gums have receded and exposed too much of the teeth or roots, a gum graft may be required. This involves adding new gum tissue from either the roof of your mouth or a donor site to restore the gum line around the teeth.
Antibiotics: Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics alongside other treatments to help eliminate any lingering infection and support the healing process.
Reasons You Might Need a Bone Graft After Severe Gum Disease
Severe gum disease can significantly affect your oral health. As the condition progresses, your gums may become swollen and start to recede from the teeth. This exposes more of your tooth structure and roots, making them vulnerable to bacterial attacks. Additionally, the jawbone may lose density over time.
If bone loss occurs, a bone graft may be required. This procedure involves placing synthetic bone material in the affected area to stimulate new bone growth. Bone grafting is often necessary when bone loss impacts the stability of surrounding teeth or alters facial appearance. The need for a bone graft is typically determined by X-ray results. Early detection and treatment of gum disease can help prevent the need for this procedure.