We learn at an early age that taking care of our teeth is important. Brushing daily and visiting the dentist are the best ways to maintain good oral health and prevent dental problems. Gum disease can develop if you don’t care for your teeth and gums. Since gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss, you need to get treatment immediately if you see any signs. Cosmetic and Advanced Dentistry is a leading dentist office that treats gum disease in the Towson, MD area.
We’re home to a team of dental professionals that care about the health of your smile. We offer periodontal treatment options for patients who suffer from this progressive disease. If you’ve lost a tooth from a gum infection, we provide additional restorative dental treatments. Our team can restore and fix missing and damaged teeth.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
The following list contains the basic signs of gum disease. Many people may not experience symptoms at all, and this is why dental health check-ups are so important. Schedule an appointment at our Towson, MD area dentist office if you experience:
- Red, swollen or sore gums
- Sensitive gums
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loose or wiggly teeth
- Sores or pus between gums and teeth
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Changes in the fit of dentures
Please call us if you notice any changes in your gum health. We want to address gum problems as soon as possible.
About Periodontal Disease
Gum disease progresses in stages. The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. Many patients don’t even know they have it and are surprised when diagnosed. If caught early enough, treatment is fairly conservative, and minimal damage is present. General signs of gingivitis include bleeding gums, red or swollen gums, and bad breath.
The next stage of gum disease, periodontitis, is more severe. If you have been diagnosed with periodontitis, it is likely you are suffering from many of the above symptoms and are at risk for tooth loss.
Infections at this stage can cause irreversible damage, and treatment should be sought immediately. The infection can also reach your bloodstream and lead to serious issues with your overall health.
Treatment for Gum Disease in Towson, MD
Dr. Ed Lazer offers two main treatments for gum disease. Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that he recommends for patients with mild to moderate gum disease. Scaling the gum tissue and smoothing the tooth roots removes harmful bacteria that you can’t reach when you brush and floss at home. These cleanings can reduce inflammation and allow the gums to heal.
Some patients may have uneven or excess gum tissue that affects both the health and appearance of their smile. Bident tissue recontouring is a gentle procedure that reshapes the gum tissue for a healthier, more balanced look. It can help reduce pockets where bacteria can grow, making it easier to keep your gums clean and healthy.
How to Avoid Gum Disease
Avoiding periodontal disease is actually simple. It begins with being committed to an oral health care routine. The best way to accomplish this is to develop habits such as brushing your teeth twice a day at the same time every day.
Also, when you visit the dentist for a checkup, schedule your next dentist appointment right away so you will not forget. During each bi-annual checkup, we will thoroughly clean your teeth to remove built-up plaque. If this plaque is not removed, it can easily lead to gum disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more? We can help. Read answers to common questions about gum disease treatment we provide patients near Towson, MD.
Is gum disease painful?
Gum disease isn’t always painful in its early stages. Many patients may not know they’re suffering from gingivitis since symptoms are not always obvious.
However, in the advanced stages of gum disease, infections can develop and that may be very painful. Your gums will likely be swollen, irritated, and bleed easily, and it may hurt to chew certain foods.
Can my gums recover from gum disease?
If your gums begin to recede or become damaged by periodontal disease, they will not recover without treatment. Gum tissue does not simply grow back. The best thing to do is seek treatment to keep the disease from causing more damage. We can refer you to a periodontist to have your recessed gums treated.
How does gum disease affect my overall health?
Inflamed gums can release harmful bacteria into the bloodstream, potentially impacting other parts of your body. Research links severe gum disease to heart disease, diabetes, and even pregnancy complications. Controlling gum inflammation helps protect your general health as well as your teeth. Regular checkups, cleanings, and good oral hygiene support a healthier body. Addressing gum disease early can lower these potential risks.
Is gum surgery inevitable if my gum disease is advanced?
Not always, but advanced cases of gum disease often require surgery. Deep cleanings, antibiotics, and other therapies might control the infection if caught in time. If pockets remain too deep or bone loss is severe, surgery helps remove plaque and repair damage.
Procedures like gum grafts or flap surgery can restore gum health and support. We’ll help you find the least invasive approach to managing your condition.
Are electric toothbrushes better for preventing gum disease than manual ones?
Electric toothbrushes can be more effective for some patients because they offer consistent brushing motions and can reach around the gum line more efficiently. However, a manual brush with proper technique also keeps gums healthy. It’s all about using gentle, thorough strokes and focusing on every tooth surface.
Electric brushes may help if you have limited dexterity or struggle with technique. Talk to Dr. Lazer about the best option for your specific needs.
Can I get braces or Invisalign if I have gum disease?
You need to treat and stabilize gum disease before starting braces or Invisalign. Moving teeth in an unhealthy gum environment can worsen bone loss and lead to further complications.
Your dentist or periodontist will check your gum health and may recommend deep cleanings or other treatments first. Once your gums are stable, orthodontic treatment can safely begin. It will also be important to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment to prevent gum problems from returning.
Protect Your Gum Health Today
Cosmetic and Advanced Dentistry welcomes patients from many of the surrounding areas, including Towson, MD. Gum disease is a serious condition that can cause damage to your teeth and gums. If you’re seeking expert dental care for periodontal disease, please contact us for a consultation by calling (410) 697-6290. You may also request a dental visit by filling out our online appointment request form.