Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a common dental problem that affects most adults to some degree. Even though symptoms may be initially mild, gum disease can be found in many patients with an otherwise healthy looking smile. If allowed to spread, this disease can result in additional complications that grow more serious in time.

To help our patients in the Salt Lake City area combat gum disease, we offer the below information on management and treatment, both at-home and professionally.  

Recognizing Gum Disease

The first step to treating gum disease is knowing how and when to recognize it. It first manifests as gingivitis, with a variety of symptoms that may be overlooked in its early stages:   

• Red or swollen gums
• Tender gums
• Bleeding, particularly after brushing or flossing
• Bad breath
• Receding gum lines
• Increased gum or tooth sensitivity

Any one of these symptoms may suggest a gingival infection, with symptoms increasing in range and severity as infection spreads. As gingivitis progresses, gums may continue to recede and/or pull away from teeth, loosening them.

In some cases, gingivitis progresses into a more serious condition called periodontitis. Whereas the former is simply an inflammation of the gums, periodontitis also infects the bone. As a result, symptoms are worsened in addition to potential tooth loss, loss of jawbone structure, and heightened cardiovascular risks throughout the body.

Treating Gum Disease At Home

The most effective treatment for gum disease is to manage it in its early stages. With proper hygiene, most cases of gingivitis can be kept mild or abated completely. First and foremost, brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to keep bacteria from building between gums and teeth. Also make sure to floss at least once a day, gently curving it around the edges of teeth to remove plaque and food particles. If signs of gum disease persist, consider rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash as part of your hygienic routine.

To further prevent gingivitis from forming, be aware that the following factors can also play a role in gum disease: 

• Tobacco use: Smoking and chewing tobacco are a significant risk factor for oral diseases, gingivitis chief among them. Cessation from tobacco is an excellent way to improve dental health and healing. 
• Dry mouth: Saliva plays a role in cleansing the mouth and removing bits of plaque and bacterial build-up. If you suffer from dry mouth, drinking and rinsing with water is a good way to keep teeth and gums clean.
• Diet: Foods with high sugar, acid, or starch content can all lead to dental problems such as decay, erosion, and gum disease. Keep your diet healthy, and be sure to drink water with meals to wash away lingering food particles. 
• Illness: People are more susceptible to gum disease with a weakened immune system. Illnesses like diabetes or HIV/AIDS can increase the likelihood of disease, and such patients should be especially diligent in their dietary, hygienic, and general health habits.

Professional Treatment for Gum Disease

If you believe gingivitis may be a problem for you, consult your dentist for preventative or restorative dentistry treatment. For gums that have pockets of infection near the roots of teeth, the most common treatment plan is a root planing and scaling procedure. Also called a deep cleaning, this treatment will remove plaque and bacteria from beneath the gum line, removing the source of disease. Antibiotics may also be placed within the gums or given orally to prevent future infection from arising. If patients continue to care for their gums, signs of disease should resolve within a week as the gums are allowed to heal. 

For patients whose disease has progressed to periodontitis, surgical treatment may be needed. Treatment options for advanced stages of gum disease may include:

• Flap surgery: Similar to a deep cleaning, plaque and tartar are removed from beneath the gums. However, to reach deep pockets of infection, the gums must be temporarily lifted back from teeth.
• Bone grafts: Because periodontitis can result in bone loss, a graft may be necessary to restore jaw structure and tooth support. This may also be necessary if patients plan on eventually receiving dental implants for tooth loss replacement.
• Gum tissue grafts: Although gums can heal and reattach to teeth, they cannot regenerate tissue lost from a receding gum line. A soft tissue graft can therefore be performed to restore gum tissue.

Treat Gum Disease Early On

Our cosmetic dentistry practice is devoted to helping you fight disease and decay. If you suspect you may have gum disease or a similar dental ailment, contact our office for an appointment with Dr. James M. Wright. Whether you need a professional cleaning or restorative treatment, our services are here to keep you smiling.