When you think of chronic diseases, you probably think of a systematic health issue like diabetes or heart disease. Did you know that periodontal (gum) disease is one of the most common diseases on the planet? Although it may be comforting in a sense to know that you’re not the only one that has this issue, it’s important to understand that this condition is manageable and should be addressed as early on as possible. Your West Mobile dentist along with the rest of our dental team at Parker Dental & Orthodontics want our patients to understand the stages of gum disease and how we can help treat them.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Gum disease begins foods along with other dangerous bacteria in your mouth builds up along and under the gum line. Plaque, a sticky film-like substance, sits on top of your teeth, gums, and tongue and hardens over time if it’s not removed—creating harmful tartar. It can cause infections and inflammation that deteriorate your healthy teeth, gums, and jawbone.

Many patients don’t realize they could have been acting to prevent tooth loss or another serious health condition by visiting their dentist for assistance when they first notice signs of unhealthy gums. You may notice these symptoms if your mouth is becoming infected with gum disease.

• Red, swollen gums
• Tender gums
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Buildup of pus between gums
• Loose fitting teeth
• Receding gums
• Pockets of infection along your gum line
• Chronic bad breath

Stages of Periodontal Disease

Healthy Gums:

Sturdy, pink gums should not bleed when you take care of your mouth at home. They also shouldn’t bleed when either of our dental experts professionally clean them.

Gingivitis (Early Stage of Periodontal Disease):

Red, swollen gums that bleed when brushed or flossed at home. Bleeding gums are a huge gum disease red flag! There is a potential loss of gum tissue with gingivitis, but in most cases your jawbone still stays healthy.

Early Periodontal Disease:

Your red, swollen gums will continue to bleed every time you brush and floss. Your gums will start to form pockets between teeth and start receding from your teeth. A film of bacteria will sit on top of your teeth and will eat away at your jawbone density. This makes it possible for teeth to become loose and potentially fall out.

Advanced Periodontal Disease (Peritonitis):

You will experience heavy bleeding when you try to brush and floss your teeth. You will notice severe gum recession and your teeth will feel extremely loose. If there’s a severe decline in your jawbone’s health, you may experience shifts in your smile from loose teeth.

Treating Periodontal Disease

Unfortunately, gum disease isn’t completely curable. Even though that’s a stark reality, we can treat gum disease accordingly once it’s already set in. In most cases, you can expect painless, non-surgical therapy including:

Scaling

A non-surgical portion of gum disease therapy that removed hardened plaque (tartar) from below the gum line.

Root Planing

This part of gum disease therapy goes together with scaling. Our dental professionals will smooth the tooth roots. This helps promote new, healthy attached gums.

Antibiotic Therapy

Some patients will receive a doctor prescribed antibiotic to take alongside more frequent dental cleanings and scaling and root planing. This helps to battle internal infections and dangerous inflammation.

Contact Parker Dental & Orthodontics of West Mobile

If our team discovers that you have signs of periodontal disease during your normal dental checkup, we can develop a customized treatment plan to reverse the deteriorating health of your gums. Contact our West Mobile office today to discuss our periodontal therapy options.