Non-surgical Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is a commonly occurring infection that damages the bone structure and soft tissue supporting the teeth. This infection occurs when microorganisms like oral bacteria start accumulating on your tooth's surface and pockets. As they multiply, your system will detect them and release toxins to kill the pathogens. The toxins released by the antibodies could cause tissue inflammation. If this preventable condition is not treated, it will lead to tooth loss and an increased likelihood of heart attacks and stroke.

Causes of Gum Disease

There are several factors that increase your risk of developing gum disease, including poor oral hygiene habits such as not brushing or flossing regularly. Smoking also increases your risk as it damages the immune system and reduces blood flow to the gums. Other medical conditions such as diabetes, hormonal changes during pregnancy, and certain medications can also increase your risk for gum disease. Genetics may also play a role in whether or not someone develops periodontal problems.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

When it comes to gum disease, the symptoms can be sneaky and easy to miss. It's important to know what signs to look out for so that you can catch the disease early and get it treated before it leads to more serious problems.

• The first sign of gum disease is usually bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing. You may also notice redness and swelling around your gums, which can be a sign of inflammation caused by infection.
• As the disease progresses, you may experience bad breath that doesn't go away with brushing or mouthwash. Your teeth may start to feel loose or shift in position as the gums recede, exposing more of the tooth roots.
• In some cases, gum disease can also cause pain while chewing or sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. If left untreated for too long, gum disease can even lead to tooth loss.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, don't wait - make an appointment with our dentist in Littleton, CO, right away!

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Gum Disease

Gum disease can be reversed with non-surgical treatments. On the other hand, gum disease could lead to significant problems if it is not treated appropriately. Here are some of the non-surgical treatments for gum disease:

• Professional Dental Cleaning

During a general checkup, your dentist or hygienist will remove the accumulated plaque and the hardened tartar from the tooth’s surface. This kind of accumulation can only be removed with professional cleaning. A meticulous cleaning will ensure the removal of plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line of all your teeth. If any signs of gum disease are identified, your dentist may recommend professional dental cleaning more than twice a year.

• Scaling and Root Planing

This is an intensive non-surgical cleaning procedure that is performed under local anesthesia. The hardened plaque and tartar are scaled away from above and below the gum line using special dental tools. The root planing procedure involves the smoothing of the rough spots on the tooth’s surface. Smoothing the rough spots will help remove the bacteria and provide a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth.

• Antibiotic/Antimicrobial Therapy

Antimicrobial therapy consists of using chemicals to destroy or slow down the growth of bacteria that cause gum disease. The two most common forms of this therapy are antibiotics and antiseptics. Antibiotics can be placed in the mouth in the gap between the gums and teeth.

• Bite Adjustment

Gum disease is the most common cause for a tooth to become loose and eventually fall out. Another reason for the loosening of teeth is a grinding habit. A bite adjustment can be done by reshaping a small section of tooth enamel. This helps to change the way upper and lower teeth contact each other, thus reducing the force. If a grinding habit is a problem, a bite guard can be worn when necessary.

• Practicing Oral Hygiene

One of the best methods to treat periodontal disease is to practice good oral hygiene. Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease that can typically be cured with daily flossing and brushing and professional dental cleanings by a dentist.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

Preventing gum disease is much easier than treating it. The best way to prevent gum disease is by having good oral hygiene habits. 

• Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly can help remove plaque from the teeth and gums, which can cause gum disease. 
• Another effective way to prevent gum disease is by avoiding tobacco products like cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or any other tobacco product that may result in periodontal diseases.
• Maintaining a healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals will also boost your immune system, making it easier for your body to fight off infections such as gum disease.
• Regular dental checkups are essential in preventing gum diseases. Regular cleanings done by professionals help remove tartar buildup that cannot be removed through regular brushing.

Reducing stress levels may also reduce the risk of developing periodontitis due to its known effects on weakening the immune system. Taking care of yourself both physically and mentally goes a long way in keeping your mouth healthy!

Call us at phone number (303) 9735280 or schedule an online appointment. Email us at [email protected] to know more about non-surgical gum disease treatment.