Gum disease is a common oral health problem; nearly 65 million Americans have mild, moderate, or severe gum disease. Also known as periodontitis, gum disease can lead to bleeding gums, gum irritation, and pockets between the teeth and gums. But where does gum disease begin, and how does it progress?
Gum disease starts with bacterial buildup. Plaque is a soft, sticky bacterial substance that often builds up between teeth. Over time, plaque combines with minerals in the mouth to form hard deposits called calculus or tartar, which form mainly beneath and along the gum line. Calculus harbors bacteria that create toxins, which in turn cause gingivitis, characterized by gum inflammation gums. Left untreated, gingivitis can evolve into periodontitis. We offer periodontal therapy for patients in Marlton and Haddonfield, NJ. Periodontal therapy restores the gums and removes harmful decay-causing bacteria from the smile.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
It’s important to know the symptoms of periodontitis and gingivitis. Common signs of gum disease can include:
- Bleeding gums when brushing
- Red or purple gum tissue
- Bad breath
- Tender, sore gum tissue
Contact our office if you notice changes in your gums. Early signs of gum disease, like irritated and bleeding gums, are easily reversible with at-home oral hygiene and routine cleanings. However, gingivitis can quickly progress into periodontitis without professional care.
Periodontal Therapy
Scaling, root planing, and antibiotic treatments can help remove harmful bacteria from the gums and renew gum health. During these periodontal treatments, we use sterilized, stainless steel tools to reach these areas of the mouth that can harbor bacteria as gingivitis turns into periodontitis. Scaling and root planing treatments are used together to ensure that patients get a deep clean.
For a scaling treatment, we remove plaque and tartar stuck above and below the gum line. Root planing removes bacterial buildup from the tooth roots, ensuring the tooth roots attach to the gums. Our team may also use localized antibiotics after scaling and root planing treatment to help fight off bacterial infections. Applying antibiotics to treated areas can help prevent reinfections. If patients have chronic gum problems, we will recommend that they visit our office for scaling and root planing on a regular basis.
Receive Gum Treatment Today
Have you noticed changes in your gum health? Call our Haddonfield office at 856.429.0404 or our Marlton office at 856.983.9620. You can also schedule a dental appointment at Marlton or request a dental consultation at Haddonfield online.