Comprehensive Gum Disease Treatment in Millersville, MD

Many people believe that the absence of gum discomfort equates to healthy gums. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Gum disease does not always involve pain, making it challenging to detect without professional intervention. To protect your smile, look to Millersville Family Dentistry for quality gum disease treatment in Millersville, MD.

Periodontitis Prevention & Treatment

According to research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of the American adult population has a form of periodontitis. Despite this alarming statistic, many individuals remain unaware of their condition until it reaches advanced stages. To prevent severe oral health complications, prioritize periodontitis prevention and early intervention with Millersville Family Dentistry.

What Is Gum Disease?

Dentist examining a patient teeth in Millersville, MD
Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a progressive oral health condition defined by gum infections caused by excessive tartar. Without treatment, plaque along the gum line becomes tartar, leading to gum disease symptoms and deterioration. When gum disease reaches more advanced phases, it can cause loss of bone density, tooth loss, and other health complications.

The Stages of Gum Disease

Early-stage periodontitis is known as gingivitis. Gingivitis refers to bacterial gum infections caused by plaque. This condition is often associated with red, bleeding, and/or inflamed gums. When proactively addressed, gingivitis is reversible. Without treatment, gingivitis affects the gum pockets, leading to more complex and advanced periodontitis, known as periodontal gum disease.

Causes of Gum Disease

Gum disease can be caused by many factors. In many cases, this condition results from insufficient oral hygiene and lack of dental care, which can lead to poor oral health. However, medical conditions, including respiratory disease, diabetes, heart disease, and various autoimmune disorders, can also cause gum disease.

Signs & Symptoms of Gum Disease

Recognizing gum disease symptoms is your first line of defense, enabling you to seek prompt intervention to mitigate worsening oral health concerns. The common signs of gum disease include:

• Gum inflammation, bleeding and/or redness
• Receding gum line
• Teeth sensitivity
• Halitosis
• Deep pockets
• Loose/shifting teeth
• Bite changes
• Pus around the gums
• Pain, tenderness, or discomfort

Untreated Gum Disease Risks

Gum disease impacts more than the health and integrity of your smile. Untreated gum disease is linked to a number of systemic health conditions. The harmful bacteria associated with periodontitis can spread into the bloodstream, causing inflammation in other parts of the body and increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other medical emergencies.

Diagnosing Gum Disease

To diagnose gum disease, our experts evaluate your symptoms and oral and systemic health history to rule out alternative conditions. We will then examine and measure the pocket depth between the gums and teeth. To curate effective treatment, we finalize our diagnosis with x-rays that enable us to better understand the severity and stage of the condition.

Gum Disease Treatment

Treating gum disease varies depending on the extent of the patient’s condition. Early-stage gum disease treatment involves controlling the infection. This may be done using antibiotics, scaling and root planing, or a combination of both. In contrast, advanced periodontitis treatments require more invasive interventions, such as bone grafting, pocket reduction surgery, soft tissue grafts, or guided tissue regeneration.

Effective Gum Disease Prevention Strategies

To mitigate the unfavorable side effects of gum disease, prevention is paramount. To get proactive about your oral health, we recommend the following strategies:

• Brush twice daily, floss, and rinse after meals
• Schedule routine check-ups and cleanings every six to twelve months
• Refrain from tobacco products
• Limit sugary and acidic food/beverage intake

Connect With Us for Gum Disease Treatment

Preserve and enhance your oral health with the periodontitis experts at Millersville Family Dentistry. We are your source for comprehensive gum disease treatment and management in Millersville, MD. Contact our team to schedule an oral health check-up and cleaning to get started today.