Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost. Whether your gum disease stops, slows down or gets worse depends on how well you care for your teeth and gums every day.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Symptoms of gum disease include:
Bad breath
Red or swollen gums
Tender or bleeding gums
Painful chewing
Loose teeth
Sensitive teeth
Receding gums or longer appearing teeth
How is gum disease treated?
The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that the patient maintains a good daily care at home. The doctor may also suggest changing certain behaviors, such smoking cessation, as a way to improve treatment outcome.
In case of necessary gum treatment the patient may need a deep cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing) to start the treatment process.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing) Please click the tab on Cleanings for more information.
