At the mention of gingivitis, most people would shudder. Red, swollen, painful, and bleeding gums all point to the beginning stages of gum disease, which can lead to severe implications for the overall health of the mouth. With the care of an experienced and conscientious dentist, gum disease treatment can be easy and painless, without harming the wallet, either.
Caring for your teeth is easy to remember since we’re reminded with every smile, laugh, and spoken word. Caring for our gums can be more of a challenge but no less important. Gingivitis and periodontitis are two levels of gum disease to look out for when caring for your teeth, gums, and mouth. Trust Wambaugh Dental with all your dental care needs by calling 281.501.7849.
Signs of Gum Disease
There are many indications that gums are unhealthy and may be diseased. Some are obvious, while others are more subtle. Seek dental care if any of the following apply to you:
- Swelling of the gums
- Redness around the gumline
- Blood or “pink” in the sink when brushing
- Tenderness or soreness to the touch
- Bad taste or consistent odor of the mouth
- White spots on gums
- Pus between or around the teeth and gums
- Recession of the gum tissue
More than 50% of adult Americans experience gingivitis, but why is it so prevalent, and how can it be combatted? Treating gum disease can be as simple as remembering to floss when brushing your teeth twice a day. Flossing removes plaque and food debris that would otherwise create tooth decay and irritation of the gums. Too long without flossing can ultimately cause gum disease due to infection and irritation. Brushing isn’t always enough because it can’t reach between the teeth or below the gum line like flossing and mouth wash can.
Treatments From Your Dentist
After self-care, such as brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash, doesn’t work, making an appointment with your dentist is the best option for treatment and prevention. They can provide prescriptions to help with beginning or advanced gum disease, such as a topical antiseptic, an antimicrobial, or antibiotics to treat any infections within the gum tissue.
The more extensive and damaging the gum disease becomes, the more extreme treatment may grow alongside it. For example, surgical intervention to remove diseased and unhealthy tissue may be necessary to overcome the disease and do away with symptoms such as painful or tender gums.
Surgeries as a Treatment for Gum Disease
Gingivoplasty
Otherwise known as gum recontouring or gum contouring surgery, this procedure primarily reshapes gum tissue that is either too long or too short. With advanced gum disease, the gum pulls away from the teeth, exposing the root of the tooth or the supporting bone beneath it. This can be unsightly as well as painful. Reshaping the gum and treating the gingivitis or periodontitis disease is meant to allow your gums to heal while remaining in place.
Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy for gum disease treatment is when diseased gum tissue is primarily removed from the teeth in order to remove harmful “pockets” in the gum tissue. These pockets can retain diseased tissue, pus, bacteria, and other harmful substances. This surgery is performed after the gum disease has reached the point where the gums have started to recede but before gum disease has damaged the supporting bone.
With proper dental hygiene and maintenance, as well as regular visits to your dentist, you can avoid severe gum disease and avoid surgical procedures.
Look To Wambaugh Dental for All Your Dental Needs
When it comes to gum disease, the earlier the symptoms are recognized and treated by a professional, the better chance your gums and teeth will have to recover from the damage. Signs of gum disease are easy to spot with frequent oral care and regular trips to the dentist. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash all help to counteract the impact that gingivitis and periodontitis have on healthy teeth and gums. Contact Wambaugh Dental today at 281.501.7849 if you detect any signs or symptoms of gum disease.
