Do you have sensitive gums? When you brush and floss your teeth, do you experience bleeding gums? You may be at risk of developing gum disease or periodontitis. Gum disease begins as gum inflammation or gingivitis, as harmful bacteria called plaque build up on the gum tissue. Routine dental care plays a key role in minimizing your risk for gum disease.
While we can easily reverse gingivitis, treating gum disease in later stages can be more difficult. Dr. Rita Tempel offers screening for gum disease and periodontal therapy treatment in Gettysburg, PA, to prevent the spread of infection and restore your smile.
Signs of Gum Disease
You may not realize you’re developing gum disease if your gums bleed occasionally when you brush or floss. But ignoring these early signs is dangerous. Patients can experience bleeding, irritation, and red gums in the early stages of gum disease. Later on, patients can experience tooth loss. Common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bleeding gums
- Gum pain and sensitivity
- Red or purple gums
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
- Pain biting and chewing
Please contact us if you have noticed any of these symptoms. You need prompt care before your symptoms are irreversible. We can treat gum inflammation and bleeding, but you’ll need more complex care to restore your gums or teeth as gum disease progresses.
The Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a progressive condition affecting the gums and bones supporting the teeth. It develops in stages, beginning with mild inflammation and potentially leading to serious oral health problems.
Gingivitis
This is the earliest stage of gum disease and the only reversible one. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on your teeth and irritates the gum tissue. The gums become red, swollen, irritated, and bleed easily when brushing or flossing. Many people don’t realize they have it because it’s often painless at this stage. It can be handled with diligent oral healthcare and possibly more frequent dental cleanings.
Mild Periodontitis
The infection starts to impact the gum tissue and bone structure at this stage. You can no longer reverse it, but you can manage it and prevent it from progressing further. The gums start to pull away from your teeth, creating pockets that can fill with food and bacteria. You may notice symptoms like chronic bad breath and more intense bleeding.
At this stage, we manage the condition with scaling and root planing. We clean out the gum pockets that form and then smooth down the tooth roots so that the gum tissue can reattach to the bone.
Moderate Periodontitis
As it progresses, it impacts the mouth structure more, causing noticeable bone loss. The gum pockets can become deeper, and your teeth may become loose. You’ll need to visit our office more often to keep the condition under control. Scaling and root planing are also used at this stage.
Severe Periodontitis
This is the worst stage of gum disease. You’ll experience symptoms like pus oozing from your gums, pain while chewing food, and your teeth loosening or falling out. The gums and bone structure are visually sunken and can impact the look and function of your smile.
Only laser gum treatment or gum surgery can manage the condition at this stage. You may also require antibiotics to control the infection. The bacteria at this stage can cause systemic health issues throughout your body. Gum disease is connected to conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Prevent and Treat Gum Disease in Gettysburg, PA
A good oral hygiene routine can prevent gingivitis or gum inflammation. Continue your oral hygiene routine if your teeth bleed when you brush and floss. Floss before you brush to remove debris from between teeth. Then, gently brush using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush twice a day for two minutes each time.
At routine dental visits, we offer dental cleanings to remove bacteria from the teeth and gums. Scaling and root planing are more thorough cleanings that can help reverse the early stages of gum disease. During scaling treatment, we remove plaque and tartar from the gum tissue. Root planing smooths the tooth roots to help them attach to the gum tissue.
We will refer patients to an oral surgeon if they experience problems like gum recession. Oral surgeons can remove infected gum tissue and provide grafting services to promote healthy regrowth.
Frequently Asked Questions
While gum disease is a common condition, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can often be reversed with proper oral hygiene and professional cleanings. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits are key. However, advanced stages like periodontitis require more intensive treatment to manage but cannot be fully reversed.
Is gum disease treatment painful?
Gum disease treatments like scaling and root planing may cause mild discomfort, but local anesthesia is typically used to numb the area. After treatment, some sensitivity or soreness may occur, but it usually subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any discomfort.
How long does it take to treat gum disease?
The duration of treatment varies based on the severity of the gum disease. Gingivitis may be treated in a single cleaning, while advanced periodontitis may require multiple deep-cleaning sessions or surgical interventions. Ongoing maintenance through regular dental visits is essential to prevent recurrence.
Can gum disease cause bad breath?
Yes, gum disease is a common cause of persistent bad breath (halitosis). The buildup of bacteria in the gums produces foul-smelling compounds. Treating gum disease through professional cleanings and good oral hygiene can significantly reduce bad breath.
Can smoking make gum disease worse?
Yes, smoking can make gum disease much worse. Smoking, vaping, and using any kind of tobacco products can harm your gums and make it harder for your mouth to heal. One of the main problems is nicotine. Nicotine causes your blood vessels to shrink, which means less blood and oxygen get to your gums. Without enough blood flow, your gums can’t fight off infections very well.
Smoking also weakens your immune system. This makes it harder for your body to fight the bacteria that cause gum disease. On top of that, smokers may not notice signs of gum disease like bleeding gums because nicotine can hide these symptoms.
What do I do if gum disease keeps coming back?
We’ll recommend regular deep gum cleanings if you have chronic gum disease. Periodontal disease treatment in our Gettysburg, PA dentist office includes scaling and root planing. Dr. Tempel will recommend these cleanings every 3 to 4 months for patients with moderate gum disease.
Visiting Dr. Tempel on a more frequent basis helps her keep harmful bacteria under control. You also want to keep up with brushing, flossing, and any other home care instructions our dentist gives you. Working together, we can help you keep your gums as healthy as possible.
What are the risks of untreated gum disease?
Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss, gum recession, and bone deterioration. It’s also linked to systemic health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Early detection and treatment are important to preventing these serious complications.
Can gum disease affect overall health?
Yes, gum disease is linked to several systemic health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. The inflammation caused by gum disease can contribute to these conditions, making regular treatment and maintenance important for overall health.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have any changes in your gum health, please call Dr. Tempel at (717) 853-1552. You can also request a dental appointment on our website. We’re here to provide periodontal disease treatment in Gettysburg, PA, and the surrounding areas.