Your daily care habits should include dedicated time for brushing and flossing your teeth. During these practices, you should also take a moment to look your smile over for signs of trouble. There are several visible symptoms you can find that are associated with gum disease. If the tissue seems red, or appears swollen, you might be dealing with an infection. A tendency to bleed after cleaning can also be a warning sign. Of course, not every symptom is visible – chronic bad breath can also indicate that you need periodontal treatment. If you think something may be wrong with your gums, let your dentist know. While the early stages of an infection can be treated, a more advanced problem may lead to serious complications.
Bringing Gum Disease To Your Dentist’s Attention
When you talk to your dentist about gum disease, you can arrange treatment to reverse this condition. An ultrasonic scaling and root planing will remove bothersome bacteria from your teeth, but the procedure is focused on removing harmful agents from areas below your gum line. Laser treatment can also help fight this problem. Gingivitis, the early stage of an infection, can be successfully treated through scaling and root planing. However, an advanced infection can call for the planning of subsequent procedures to help you manage the problem.
So I Have Gum Disease, What’s The Worst That Could Happen?
It might seem unlikely, but you should know that the number one cause of adult tooth loss is gum disease, particularly advanced gum disease. When you let an infection grow serious, the tissues supporting your teeth can become damaged. That harm will weaken support for teeth, which can make extraction necessary. If you have already experienced tooth loss because of gum disease, your dentist can talk to you about dental implant-supported prosthetic work.
Talk To Family First Dental About Addressing Gum Disease
At Family First Dental, we can help patients deal with ongoing periodontal troubles. With early intervention, you can make sure you keep your mouth safe from potentially serious problems associated with gum disease. If you would like to schedule an appointment, call Family First Dental in Overland Park, KS, today at 913-381-2600.