Gum Disease Treatment
Gum Disease Treatment in Grove, OK
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, indicates bacterial growth and infection in the gum tissue. In its mild form, known as gingivitis, it's easily reversible. Left untreated, it can progress quickly to periodontitis, where bacteria go deep below the gumline and destroy the tissue and bone that anchor your teeth in place. At Grand Lake Dental, Dr. Karl Jobst treats patients with gum disease every day and understands the importance of prevention, treatment, and education.
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Mild Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
The mildest form of gum disease is called gingivitis, and in its earliest stages the symptoms can be so mild you may miss them — one reason routine dental visits matter. As gingivitis progresses, the gum tissue becomes more irritated, causing red, swollen, and eventually bleeding gums, along with bad breath.
The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. Food particles interact with bacteria in the mouth to form plaque, which hardens into tartar if it isn't removed. No amount of brushing or flossing removes tartar — that requires a professional cleaning. To halt and reverse gingivitis, you'll want to floss daily, brush twice a day, consider an antiseptic mouthwash, and keep up with routine dental visits.
When Gum Disease Progresses
If gingivitis continues untreated, bacteria and infection spread below the gumline and begin destroying gum tissue, causing the gums to separate from the teeth and form pockets where plaque, bacteria, and tartar collect. At this point, gum disease has progressed to periodontitis — the number one cause of adult tooth loss, and a condition that puts added strain on your immune system, raising the risk of other health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
Symptoms of periodontitis can include:
- New spaces between teeth
- Puffy, purplish, dusky, or bright red gums
- Receding gums
- Hot and cold sensitivity
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
- A change in bite
- Painful chewing
Treating Periodontitis
Once gum disease has progressed to periodontitis, the infection is too deep for a routine professional cleaning to reach. At this point you need a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing, which goes below the gumline to remove plaque and tartar and smooth the tooth roots to prevent further bacterial growth. Because this can be uncomfortable, Dr. Jobst uses local anesthesia, and dental sedation is available for patients who experience anxiety.
After deep cleaning, the gums will be tender for a few days, and you can expect to return for periodontal maintenance checkups every three to four months until your gums are well healed.
Schedule an Evaluation
If you have any symptoms of gum disease, or if it has been longer than six months since you've seen a dentist, it's time to see Dr. Jobst. Call Grand Lake Dental today to schedule an appointment.