Gum treatment in Naples, Florida

Gingivitis, where your gums become inflamed, red and swollen, is the first stage of periodontal disease. The good news is that can be resolved. With a new-found commitment to an oral health regimen, including brushing, flossing and regular dentist visits, gingivitis can be reversed. Dentists at Naples Center for Cosmetic Dentistry are eager to help put you on a path to a healthy smile.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

When bacteria infiltrate your gum line and starts to erode the soft tissue, that’s when the clock starts ticking on your gum disease going from bad to worse.

Poor dental hygiene, crooked or crowded teeth, poor nutrition, obesity, smoking and using tobacco products, getting older, genetic abnormalities, hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menopause, stress and systematic diseases also play a role in your periodontal disease.

What Are Common Signs of Periodontal Disease?

If you are diagnosed with gum disease, you must remain alert for escalating symptoms that show the disease is progressing. Tender and/or bleeding gums, the recession of gum tissue, bad breath, a persistent aftertaste, painful chewing and pus between your teeth and gums are a few of symptoms to be aware of.

If these symptoms sound familiar, call Naples Center for Cosmetic Dentistry to discuss treatment. Acting quickly minimizes damage to your teeth and gums.

What Are the Types of Gum Disease?

Remain cognizant of signs of gingivitis and reverse it with strong oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist. If you do nothing, it may lead to a more chronic illness – periodontitis -- a serious gum disease which could prompt tooth loss and be a detriment to your overall health.

Periodontitis causes gums to separate from your teeth, forming “pockets” that fill with plaque, tartar and bacteria. If untreated, these infections can cause a loss of tissue and bone could cause your teeth to become loose in their sockets. Gum disease is the No. 1 reason for tooth loss in adults.

How is Periodontal Disease Treated?

Professional teeth cleanings, which polish teeth above the gum line, are helpful in eliminating gingivitis. If you suffer from a more advanced version of periodontal disease, bacteria below the gum line must be treated quickly.

Procedures used to treat periodontitis include scaling and planing, which remove infection from your periodontal pockets and smoothing the tooth root eliminates bacteria. You also may need to use a medicinal rinse be prescribed an antibiotic.

Gum disease is serious; don’t let your smile pay the price. Increased periodontal maintenance also may be required to stop gum disease from spreading.

To shore up compromised teeth, our periodontist may suggest bone or tissue grafts or apply a tissue-stimulating protein to prompt growth of bone and gums. In extreme cases, surgery may be needed.

What Can I Do at Home to Prevent Gum Disease?

To have a life filled with beautiful and healthy smiles, you must commit to daily brushing and flossing and dentist visits twice a year. Our dental staff at Naples Center for Cosmetic Dentistry wants to help you reach your dental health goals. Call us at (239) 206-4282 to get started.