Periodontal Disease
Treatment

Periodontal Disease Treatment

“Periodontal” is the area around a tooth, i.e. the gum. Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease and is a very common thing for dentists to treat. In fact, the CDC estimates that nearly 50% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease. Thankfully, Lupine Dental can educate, treat or prevent gum disease in all our clients in Palmer, AK.

Symptoms of periodontal diseases

If your gums are inflamed or bleed easily after flossing, you may have gingivitis. This is an early and mild form of periodontitis and can generally be cleared up with a professional dental cleaning and an improvement in your general oral healthcare routine.

Without intervention, this can cause bacteria to multiply below the gum line, leading to the more serious periodontitis or periodontal disease. Dentists can treat and slow down the progression of periodontal disease but it’s not always possible to totally cure it. Early detection of gingivitis, however, can be cured which is why a regular visit to your dentist is so important.

Signs and symptoms of gum disease include:

  • Swollen gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Receding gums
  • Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

In the most severe cases, periodontal disease can cause bone loss and the loss of teeth.

How to treat periodontal disease

Early intervention and good oral hygiene are the best weapons in the fight against gum disease.

Brush and floss your teeth at least once every day. Flossing helps to remove bacteria between the gums that can lead to gum disease.

Visit your dentist regularly. Early signs of gum disease can be treated successfully.

More serious cases of periodontal disease can be treated with deep cleaning of the tooth and root below the gum line.

Dentists may also prescribe medication to help treat some cases of gum disease.

Occasionally, corrective surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions about gingivitis, periodontitis or gum disease in general, don’t hesitate to contact your dental team at Lupine Dental in Palmer, AK.