Most adult patients who visit our Annapolis dental office will fall within a spectrum of periodontal disease. Problems can range from an inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) to a chronic disease of the gums and bone (periodontitis). Gum disease involves multiple stages and can progress very quickly if not treated. However, we provide periodontal therapy in Annapolis, MD, to keep your gums healthy.
With gum disease, you may experience no obvious signs or symptoms. For this reason, regular visits to the dentist are critical for preventing and managing gum disease. We recommend that patients schedule dental cleanings and examinations biannually, about every six months.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Common signs of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, or sore gums
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Mouth sores or pus between gums and teeth
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Changes in the fit of dentures
Please contact us if you notice any of these symptoms. We will examine your teeth and gums and may take X-rays to find which stage of gum disease you have.
The Stages of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease can begin with gum irritation and inflammation but quickly turn into a bigger problem. If you know what to look for, you can keep gum disease from permanently affecting your teeth and gums:
Gingivitis
The first stage of periodontal disease is classified as gingivitis. This stage of the disease can be treated by a thorough dental cleaning and an increase in the patient’s oral care routine. During this stage, treatment can reverse the infection and there should not be any permanent damage. The most common symptoms of gingivitis include bleeding gums while brushing, redness, and inflammation.
Mild Periodontitis
The second stage of gum disease is known as mild or slight periodontitis. During this stage, gums become more inflamed and begin to pull away from teeth. As gums pull away from teeth they form pockets that house more bacteria. As bacteria gathers in these pockets infection may begin to spread to the bone.
We will recommend deep gum cleanings at this stage. Scaling and root planing remove harmful bacteria from the teeth and gums.
Moderate Periodontitis
The third stage of gum disease is known as moderate periodontitis. At this stage infection has reached the bone and may effect patients systemic health. You cannot reverse previous damage from gum disease. However, regular deep cleanings can prevent future damage.
Advanced Periodontitis
The last stage is known as advanced periodontitis. Patients are at risk for tooth loss as the infection will have reached the bone and tooth root. Treatment can prevent the disease from worsening but cannot reverse prior damage. At this final stage, many patients may need gum surgery.
Periodontal Therapy in Annapolis, MD
Our dentists offer several treatment options for periodontal disease. If you have early signs of gum disease, your dentist may recommend frequent dental cleanings to restore your gums to optimal health. We will also recommend increasing your own oral care routine.
If you need more intensive treatment, our dentist may perform a deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from the deep pockets of the gum.
If you have advanced signs of gum disease, the dentist may recommend an intense treatment or surgery. In these cases, our dentists may work with a local periodontist to restore your gum health.
Periodontal Therapy FAQs
Discover more about periodontal therapy in Annapolis, MD, with answers to these common questions:
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease is caused by bacteria that attack the gum tissue and eventually the bone. The bacteria thrive in plaque, which forms constantly in the mouth. Over time, plaque accumulates and hardens into tartar, which can push down into the pockets of the gum and cause irritation and inflammation.
Gingivitis (inflammation) is the first stage, but it can quickly progress into an infection, destroy gum tissue. It can eventually degrade bone to the point that teeth can become loose or missing.
How can I prevent gum disease?
Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day are great ways to prevent gum disease. In addition, you should visit your dentist at least every six months for a professional tooth cleaning which will help remove plaque build up before it hardens into tartar.
Another essential step in the prevention of gum disease is having a healthy diet. This means limiting sodas, sweets and snacks between meals. Drinking water will also help reduce bacteria in the mouth. Smoking increases the risk of gum disease.
Can gum disease cause oral cancer?
Gum disease and oral cancer are separate conditions. However, some studies suggest that the bacteria from gum disease can make the body more vulnerable to other health issues, including cancer.
Also, people with gum disease may be more likely to have other habits, like smoking or drinking alcohol, that increase the risk of oral cancer. Taking care of your gums can help reduce the risk.
Will bleeding gums stop bleeding on their own?
Sometimes. Gums that bleed temporarily can be a sign of brushing or flossing your teeth too hard, recent mouth trauma, and eating hard/sharp foods. However, if your gums bleed regularly, they will not stop without help from our dentist.
How long until gum disease is serious?
If you have gingivitis, it can take three to four weeks for gum disease to develop. After that point, it may take a year to fifteen months to develop advanced gum disease. We recommend that you contact our office as soon as you notice changes in your gum health.
When should I worry about gum disease?
If you notice your gums bleeding when you brush your teeth, you most likely have gingivitis or gum inflammation. Gingivitis is an early sign of gum disease. To reverse gum inflammation, floss and brush thoroughly. Visit our dentist for a thorough dental cleaning.
Restore Your Gum Health
Do your gums hurt? Are your gums sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks?
Get periodontal therapy in Annapolis, MD. Call Lee, Bonfiglio, Vesely, and Associates at (410) 989-8298. You can also schedule an appointment with our dentists online.
