Are you noticing bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth? Do your gums appear red, swollen, or irritated? These can be telltale signs from your gums that it's time for a preventive exam, as you may be suffering from gum disease.
Understanding Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, where you may begin noticing those subtle signs. It can be challenging to diagnose gum disease without your dentist's help, as there's often little to no pain associated with it initially. However, if you notice bleeding while brushing, swollen gums, or chronic bad breath that persists despite brushing or using mouthwash, it's time to take action.
When we spot gum disease early, you have a better chance of treating it by making improvements to your home care routine and undergoing a thorough professional teeth cleaning. For some patients, this is enough even to reverse their gingivitis, so being proactive about treating gum disease is essential.
Spotting Periodontitis
Advanced gum disease is known as periodontitis. During this stage, more damage has occurred, and you may experience tenderness when chewing, tooth mobility, and gum recession. There is no cure for periodontitis; however, with additional teeth cleanings throughout the year, our team can help you keep your condition under control. Our dentists may also recommend treatment such as:
- Deep cleanings, called scaling and root planing, that remove tartar buildup from below the gumline
- Antibiotic therapy
- Laser treatment to comfortably remove diseased tissue
Gum surgery may also be recommended for severe cases of periodontitis.
The Oral Systemic Link
Gum disease has been closely linked with several non-dental related concerns, such as:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Dementia
- Arthritis
Taking care of your dental health also means you're looking out for your overall health and well-being, as the inflammation that causes gum disease can contribute to other concerns, and vice versa.
If it's time for your next professional teeth cleaning and checkup in Greeley, contact our team at (970) 356-5277 to schedule