Do your gums hurt or bleed when you brush? Do hot or cold foods make your gums sensitive? If so, you might have gingivitis, a type of gum inflammation. If left untreated, gingivitis can turn into gum disease, also called periodontitis. Gum disease happens when harmful bacteria build up between your teeth and gums.
These bacteria cause swelling and irritation in the gums. If not treated, the inflammation can spread to other areas of the body. That’s why it’s important to treat gum disease early. In our Sarasota, FL dental office, we can help restore your gum health before it gets worse. We also offer other restorative treatments to keep your mouth healthy.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, develops in two distinct stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. These stages represent the progression of the condition, starting with early signs that can worsen over time without proper care. Each stage needs different approaches for treatment and prevention. Understanding these stages helps in maintaining a healthy, confident smile and avoiding potential issues:
- Gingivitis: This is the early stage of gum disease. It causes red, swollen, and irritated gums that might bleed when you brush. Gingivitis is usually caused by plaque buildup around the gums. It can be treated easily if caught early.
- Periodontitis: If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can turn into periodontitis. This advanced stage causes the gums to recede and teeth to become loose. The bacteria infect the gums, leading to damage in the tissues and bone that support your teeth. At this stage, we might recommend seeing a specialist to help restore your gum health.
The Signs of Gum Disease
There are several signs that may indicate you have gum disease. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit our office for an evaluation. Treating gum disease early can prevent it from getting worse. Common signs of gum disease include:
- Swollen Gums: Red, swollen gums are often the first sign of gingivitis. Healthy gums should be pink and firm, not swollen or sore.
- Bleeding Gums: Your gums should not bleed when you brush or floss. If they do, it’s a sign of gingivitis.
- Bad Breath: Gum disease can cause bad breath because the bacteria release toxins. If you have chronic bad breath, you might need treatment for gum disease.
- Receding Gums: As gum disease gets worse, the gums start to pull away from the teeth. This creates pockets where bacteria can collect and damage the gum tissue.
- Loose Teeth: In advanced gum disease, the bone that supports your teeth can weaken. This can cause your teeth to loosen or shift. Without treatment, the teeth may eventually fall out.
- Sensitive Teeth: Gum disease can make teeth more sensitive by exposing the tooth roots or causing tooth decay and weakened enamel.
If you notice any of these signs, contact our office right away. We can examine your gums and recommend the best treatment. The earlier we start treatment, the better the chances of reversing gum disease and preventing it from coming back. Since gum disease can get worse quickly, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Treating Gum Disease in Sarasota, FL
We offer deep cleaning treatments for patients who show signs of gum disease. Our dental hygienists use the AIRFLOW system during regular visits to remove plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that hardens into tartar and calculus. It’s harder to remove tartar and calculus at home, which is why regular cleanings are so important.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is an effective deep-cleaning treatment for patients with bacterial buildup on their gums and tooth roots. Dr. Benson or a dental hygienist will perform this non-surgical procedure to treat gum disease. This treatment helps with both gingivitis (the moderate stage of gum disease) and early periodontitis. The process has two main steps: scaling and root planing.
- Scaling: During this step, your dentist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth. They will gently clean both above and below the gumline, which helps reduce inflammation and gets rid of bacteria.
- Root Planing: This step smooths the roots of your teeth to prevent more bacteria from building up. It also helps the gums reattach to the teeth. By removing bacteria and promoting healing, root planing reduces the chances of further infections.
If you need it, we can provide oral conscious sedation to keep you comfortable during your appointment, as some patients may find the procedure a bit uncomfortable, depending on the amount of tartar present.
It’s crucial that Dr. Benson removes all signs of bacteria, plaque, and tartar from the roots of your teeth and the pockets in your gums. This creates a healthy environment for the gum tissue to heal and stops the infection from spreading into the bloodstream.
Post-Treatment Care
After your treatment, we’ll give you advice on how to care for your oral hygiene. We’ll also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your gum health. Scaling and root planing is a proactive way to prevent gum disease from getting worse and to keep your mouth healthy.
If you have advanced gum disease, you might need more extensive treatment. In that case, Dr. Benson will refer you to a specialist who may suggest surgery to restore your gum tissue.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Early treatment and prevention are important for gum health. If you notice any changes in your gums, call us at 941-270-9755 or request an appointment online. Feel free to ask us any questions at your next visit!