Gum treatment in Plantation, Florida

Half of Americans over age 30 have a periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, and there is time to stop it in its tracks. Gum disease begins as gingivitis, a common ailment that causes your gums to become irritated and swell. But there’s good news – gingivitis is reversible. Our well-trained dentists in Plantation can provide helpful advice on how to treat gingivitis.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

When bacteria in plaque and tartar spread below your gum line and begin to compromise tissue and bone that keep your teeth in place, you need professional dental treatment. Your dentist may recommend a gum specialist called a periodontist. Factors leading up to severe periodontal disease include not brushing and flossing, not eating healthy foods, having crowded or misaligned teeth that trap food particles between teeth, smoking and using tobacco products, aging, heredity, hormonal changes due to pregnancy, stress and systemic diseases.

What Are Common Signs of Periodontal Disease?

When a gum disease is diagnosed you must watch for escalating symptoms that show it is advancing. Keep an eye out for puffy, red and/or bleeding gums, recession of gum tissue, bad breath, a lingering aftertaste in your mouth, loose teeth or pus around a tooth or teeth. If you are having one or more of these symptoms call Superior Dental today at (954) 519-2224 for a dental exam.

What Are the Types of Gum Disease?

The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. If ignored, gingivitis will likely become periodontitis, a serious gum disease that may erode tissue and bone that usually lock your teeth into their sockets. Periodontitis also can impact your overall health if you don’t pay attention. If your gums begin to separate from your teeth forming “pockets,” food and bacteria can collect in these wells prompting permanent damage that will need steadfast treatment and attention. For adults, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth extractions and loss, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Avoid dental implants and dentures later in life by performing due diligence to your oral health today.

How is Periodontal Disease Treated?

Your regular teeth cleanings, which polishes teeth above the gum line, is certainly helpful in treating gingivitis. However, if you have a more serious periodontal disease, bacteria below the gum line must be treated before there are serious consequences. A deep cleaning called scaling and root planing, performed by a periodontist or hygienist in Plantation, will eliminate plaque and tartar from periodontal pockets and smoothing the tooth root will remove bacteria.

Your periodontist also may give you an antibiotic to fight infection. You’ll need to see your dentist more frequently to stop the gum disease from spreading. Gum disease is a serious disease and should not be ignored. If you disregard your gum issues, your teeth may eventually become loose and fall out or need to be extracted. To prevent this outcome, our dentist or periodontist may suggest techniques, such as a bone or tissue graft or give you tissue-stimulating proteins to shore-up your gums.

What Can I Do at Home to Prevent Gum Disease?

For a lifetime filled with healthy smiles you must commit to lifelong brushing and flossing and twice-yearly dentist visits. Our dental professionals at Superior Dental are ready to assist anyway they can. Contact them at (954) 519-2224 for a consult.