Chances are, you’re familiar with plaque and tartar, and the damage that they cause to teeth and gums. This is one reason why dental professionals urge individuals to brush and floss daily, as well as keep up with regular dental examinations. While brushing and flossing can remove plaque, they cannot remove tartar. Tartar is hardened plaque, and can only be removed professionally. Thus, it’s easy to understand how tartar will build up over time in individuals that forego seeing their dentist. At this point, many will report that their gums begin to turn red and bleed during brushing. This condition is classified as Gingivitis, which is an early stage of gum disease. When Gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to Periodontal (Gum) Disease. Referred to as advanced gum disease, periodontal disease is a threat to teeth, gums, and even the bones that support them.
How Do I Know If I Have Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
There’s one way to know if you have Periodontal (Gum) Disease for sure—see your dentist! Yet, here are few common symptoms to consider:
- Red, Puffy, or Swollen Gums
- Sensitive Gums
- Bleeding Gums
- Pain While Chewing
- Persistent Bad Breath
- Receding Gums (gums that have pulled away from teeth, sometimes creating a “pocket” at the base of the tooth)
What If I Have Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
If you’re told that you have Periodontal Disease, you are not alone. Advancements in dentistry have made it possible to treat Periodontal Disease at any stage. The main goal is to control infection. In many cases, a deep cleaning, or scaling, is performed. Also known as root planing, scaling gets rid of rough spots on the tooth’s root where bacteria have gathered. In other cases, medications may be prescribed along with scaling to further protect against infection. Whenever possible, dentists will work to avoid surgery. Even so, severe cases may call for surgical removal of tartar deposits in the pockets of gums.
Patient-Centered Dentistry You Can Trust
At Frederick Dental, you’ll find comfortable, patient-centered dentistry that will put you at ease. We want you to let go of all of your old ideas about visiting the dentist. Are you concerned about your oral health? Do not wait. Call Frederick Dental today, and experience a new type of dentistry that you can trust.