The gum tissue that surrounds your teeth is vital for a healthy smile. Unfortunately, gum disease is extremely common, especially in adults over the age of thirty. While good oral hygiene is essential to prevent gum disease, other factors like smoking and certain health conditions can increase your risk.
Periodontal treatments depend on the severity and stage of the disease. Early stages can be reversed with deep cleanings from our hygienist, paired with better oral care at home. More advanced stages may require treatments such as laser gum therapy to restore your periodontal health. At Exceptional Smiles, we help our patients prevent, control and reverse gum disease at all stages of life.
Symptoms and Causes of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria and hardened plaque that irritates the gum tissues and eventually cause an infection. Bacteria and plaque can be removed with routine dental cleanings and diligent flossing and brushing habits. However, when cleaning is neglected, your gums become vulnerable to periodontal disease. Patients may notice the following signs and symptoms of early gum disease:
- Receding gums
- Swollen or red gum tissue
- Tenderness
- Chronic bad breath
- Bleeding gum tissue
If you are experiencing these symptoms, we encourage you to book your next dental visit sooner rather than later. When left untreated, gum disease can progress to cause tooth loss as well as threats to your overall health.
Periodontal Disease Stages
Serious or advanced gum disease doesn’t happen overnight. Gum disease occurs in stages. Early gum disease, knowns as gingivitis, is easily reversed by a professional dental cleaning. At this initial stage, the gums are irritated or inflamed and may also bleed more easily. If not treated, however, the gums can develop a growing infection that leads to deep pockets of gum tissue, receding gums and even the destruction of the underlying bones that support your teeth. At its most advanced stage, called periodontitis, gum disease can cause irreversible consequences such as tooth loss. Advanced gum disease has also been linked to heart disease, stroke, premature birth and other whole-body health conditions.
Let us detect and treat your gum disease before it is too late. Contact Exceptional Smiles at Landerbrook today for modern periodontal disease treatment in Mayfield Heights.
