Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, affects most adults at some point in their lives. Gingivitis, the most common type of gum disease, occurs when bacteria infects periodontal tissue. This may result in:
- Red or swollen gums
- Bleeding when teeth are brushed
- Bad breath that does not respond to at-home treatments
A chronic bad taste in the mouth
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease, treatment is essential for preventing future damage. Please contact Desert Smiles online or by calling {tel} to schedule an examination at our Glendale, Arizona office right away.
Periodontitis
When gingivitis is left untreated the infection will progress, eventually resulting in periodontitis. Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease and the one most often associated with serious oral and systemic health problems.
Symptoms of periodontitis may include:
- Gum tissue pulling away from teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- The appearance of puss in between teeth
As it progresses, periodontitis may result in tooth loss and tissue necrosis. Infection from this type of gum disease has also been linked to health problems including heart attack and stroke, kidney and liver failure, various forms of cancer, and dementia and Alzheimer’s. Seeking treatment as soon as gum disease symptoms appear is the most effective way to prevent these larger problems. Glendale dentist Dr. Nathan Tenney encourages you to call our office at {tel} as soon as symptoms become present to schedule a thorough examination and gum disease treatment consultation.
treating gum disease
Gingivitis can often be treated through a professional cleaning of the teeth and gums along with a more consistent daily routine. Brushing after every meal and snack, flossing morning and night, and adding an antibacterial mouthwash – sometimes in prescription form – may be all it takes to treat this type of gum disease. Periodontitis will, however, necessitate a more advanced approach.
To treat periodontitis, our Glendale dentist will need to first assess how advanced the disease has become. Depending on the specifics of your infection, periodontal treatment may include laser therapy to eliminate bacteria, shrink pockets of infection around teeth, and stimulate healthy tissue growth. These benefits become more difficult to achieve the longer periodontitis is allowed to progress. Your best chance for the complete elimination of gum disease is swift treatment.
preventing gum disease
The easiest way to prevent gum disease is to maintain a good oral health routine. This should include:
- Brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush after every meal and snack
- Flossing twice a day
- Visiting our Glendale office every six months for cleanings and examinations
Preventive visits should occur biannually to help protect against untreated disease, infection, decay, and similar oral health concerns. When caught early, nearly all of these can be treated with little to no problem. Allowed to progress, however, even the smallest of issues can become a significant problem.
If you are overdue for a dental examination, call our Glendale Dentist to schedule an appointment today. Dr. Tenney provides general, preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services to men and women living in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Peoria, and all surrounding areas of Arizona.
