Have you ever noticed blood on your toothbrush after brushing? Have you ever noticed your gums feeling swollen and tender? These are some of the earliest signs of gum disease.
Gum disease is a common, yet serious, infection of the tissue surrounding your teeth.
Luckily, if you give your mouth the proper care with examples like this- gum disease treatment in Blackfalds, you can reverse some of the early stages.
What is Gum disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and bones that support your teeth. Gum disease usually results from plaque, a sticky substance of bacteria that builds up on your teeth. If plaque is not cleaned properly, it can turn into tartar, and tartar can only be cleaned professionally by a dental professional.
There are two major types of gum disease:
- Gingivitis – the early stage. Your gums may be red, have swelling, and bleed when you brush and floss.
- Periodontitis – the advanced stage. The infection spreads underneath the gumline, and untreated can lead to tooth loss.
At this point, you must consult a dentist in Blackfalds to have this properly assessed and get some professional advice.
Signs You Might Have Gum Disease
Unfortunately, most people don’t recognize the warning signs of gum disease until it’s too late, which is why it is so important to have regular dental check-ups. Here is a list of common symptoms of gum disease:
- Any bleeding from your gums when brushing your teeth or flossing
- Gums that are swollen, red or tender
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums that have receded (your teeth may appear to be longer)
- A loose tooth or recent changes in bite
If you find yourself with any of these symptoms, don’t wait for a dental visit; seek gum disease treatment from your dental provider.
How Gum Disease Treatment Works?
The type of treatment you’ll receive for gum disease depends on the extent of the disease. The earlier the gum disease is caught, the easier the treatment will be. Here are some steps treatment may involve:
1. Professional cleaning
At the initial stages, your dentist or hygienist will provide you with a deep professional cleaning, also called scaling and root planing.
During this cleaning, the tartar is removed above and below the gumline, and smooths down the tooth roots, which encourages the gums to reattach.
2. Improving your Oral Hygiene
You will also receive education on brushing and flossing better, and your dentist may recommend an antibacterial mouthwash or a special toothpaste to help control bacteria and inflammation.
3. Medications
For moderate cases of gum disease, your dentist may place antibiotic gels or tiny medicated chips under your healing gum tissue.
4. Advanced Procedures (If Needed)
If the disease has progressed, surgical treatments may be necessary:
- Flap surgery – The gums are lifted back so deep pockets can be cleaned.
- Bone or tissue grafts – Used to rebuild areas where the bone or gum tissue has been lost.
These treatments may sound intense, but they are safe, effective, and commonly performed using local anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
What Happens After Treatment?
Healing takes time, but most people start noticing improvements within a few weeks. The bleeding stops, the swelling goes down, and your gums begin to look pink and healthy again.
To prevent the disease from coming back, your dentist may suggest more frequent cleanings- maybe every three to four months instead of just twice a year.
Prevention Is the Best Cure
The best way to avoid gum disease is by keeping your mouth clean every day. Here’s what helps:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once a day to clean between teeth
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups
- Avoid tobacco products- they make gum disease worse
Ready to Take the First Step Toward Healthier Gums?
Book your consultation today with Blackfalds Dental Centre– your trusted local dental care team for confident, comfortable smiles!
Our friendly team is here to answer your questions and guide you through every step of treatment. Early action can save your teeth and improve your overall health.
Let’s work together to bring your gums from bleeding to healing- starting today!
