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 from developing.
Gum disease can develop if your teeth and gums are neglected. Since gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss, avoiding it and seeking treatment immediately if it develops is imperative. If you have lost a tooth, we provide additional restorative dental treatments that restore and fix missing and damaged teeth.
Cosmetic and Advanced Dentistry is a leading dentist office in the Towson, MD area. We are 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.
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 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.
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 are experiencing any of the following:
- 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
About Periodontal Disease
The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. Often patients do not 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 blood stream and lead to serious issues with your overall health.
Is gum disease painful?
Gum disease is not always painful especially in the early stages. Many patients may not even be aware they are 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, 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.
Treatment for Gum Disease in Towson, MD
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 are 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.