Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an inflammatory condition that affects the tissues that surround and support your teeth. The beginning stages start with gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. Without treatment, it can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis has severe side effects that can greatly damage your oral health. You want to prevent gum disease before it starts. We provide periodontal disease treatment in Woodbridge, VA, as part of our restorative dentistry treatments.
Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease can start quietly but cause serious problems if left untreated. Here are some common signs to watch out for:
- Bleeding Gums
- Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums
- Bad Breath
- Receding Gums
- Loose Teeth
- Pus Between Teeth and Gums
- Pain When Chewing
Call us if you notice any of these symptoms. Gum disease can begin with red and irritated gums. Over time, gum pockets can form. Patients with advanced gum disease can experience shifting or loose teeth.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a common condition that affects many people. Several factors can increase your risk of developing gum disease. Understanding these causes can help you take steps to prevent it or seek treatment early to keep your gums healthy.
Plaque Buildup
The main cause of gum disease is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If you don’t remove plaque when you brush and floss, it can harden into tartar. Tartar irritates the gums and can lead to infection, swelling, and bleeding.
Tobacco Use
Smoking or chewing tobacco is a major risk factor for gum disease. Tobacco weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections. It can also make gum disease treatments less effective, so quitting tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your oral health.
Genetics
Some people are more likely to develop gum disease because of their genes. If gum disease runs in your family, you may need to be extra careful about your oral hygiene. You can also visit our dentist regularly to catch any problems early.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can make your gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation. This is why some people notice their gums bleed more easily during these times. Paying extra attention to your oral care during these periods can help prevent gum disease.
Diet
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is important for keeping your whole body strong, including your gums. When your diet is low in important nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, it can weaken your immune system. This means your body has a harder time fighting off infections, including gum disease.
Stress
High stress levels can make it harder for your body to fight off infections, including gum disease. Feeling stressed can weaken your immune system. If your immune system is not working well because of stress, it may not respond quickly or strongly enough to infections like gum disease under control.
Medications
Many common medications, such as those for allergies, high blood pressure, and depression, can cause dry mouth as a side effect. Dry mouth reduces the amount of saliva you produce. Saliva is important because it helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
When you don’t have enough saliva, harmful bacteria can grow more easily. Dry mouth can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Early Detection and Treatment
Gum disease is a progressive condition, but its early stages are reversible with proper care. Regular dental visits are important for early detection and treatment. They help us monitor your tooth and gum health before gum disease starts. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, bone damage, and even overall health. It has been linked to conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
If you notice any signs of gum disease, like swollen or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or changes in the position of your teeth, talk to Dr. Cavallo. With the right treatment, you can maintain healthy gums and a beautiful smile for years.
Periodontal Disease Treatment Options in Woodbridge, VA
If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, we offer effective treatments to help restore your gum health:
Professional Dental Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
A professional cleaning can often solve the problem for early-stage gum disease called gingivitis. This treatment involves scaling and root planing.
When we scale the teeth and gums, we remove plaque and tartar buildup from above and below your gum line. Then, during root planing, we smooth the tooth roots. We remove harmful bacteria from the tooth roots to help the gums reattach to your teeth. A deep cleaning can help reverse gingivitis and prevent advanced gum disease.
Improved Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is key to managing and preventing gum disease. Our dentist will guide you on how to take better care of your teeth and gums at home. You can brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Floss before you brush to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth. Use an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce bacteria and keep your mouth fresh.
Antibacterial Mouthwash or Medication
Our dentist may recommend a mouthwash or medication to control bacteria and reduce inflammation. An antibacterial mouthwash is a special rinse that can kill bacteria and prevent infection. We can also place antibiotics in the gum pockets after a deep gum cleaning.
Pocket Reduction Surgery
You may need surgery more advanced gum disease. This surgery can treat deep pockets that have formed between your teeth and gums. During this procedure, our dentist will lift your gums to remove tartar and bacteria from deep below the gum line.
The gums are then secured back in place to reduce pocket depth and make it easier to keep the area clean.
Bone Grafting
A bone graft is a procedure where your dentist or periodontist adds bone tissue to the area where bone has been lost. This new bone can come from your own body, a donor, or a synthetic material. Over time, the graft helps regenerate lost bone and provides a strong foundation for your teeth.
Restoring bone helps protect your teeth and gums from further damage. You can also get a bone graft if needed before implant treatment to create enough bone to support them.
Gum Grafting
If your gums have receded (pulled away from your teeth), it can expose the roots of your teeth, making them sensitive and more prone to decay. A gum graft can help restore the lost gum tissue and protect your teeth.
A gum graft is a procedure where your dentist takes tissue from another part of your mouth (or uses donor tissue) and attaches it to the area where your gums have receded. This new tissue covers the exposed roots and helps prevent further recession.
Treat Gum Disease
Get periodontal disease treatment in our Woodbridge, VA, dental office. Call Dr. Cavallo at 571-520-9306. You can also request an appointment with us online.