Non-Surgical Gum Treatment

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common but serious condition that affects the gums and teeth. It begins as a mild form of inflammation and can progress to more severe stages if left untreated. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and other significant health problems. Understanding gum disease and its symptoms is important for early detection and prevention. Non-Surgical Gum Treatment is an effective way to manage and halt the progression of gum disease before it leads to further complications.

How Gum Disease Develops

Gum disease starts when plaque and tartar build up on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. When plaque is not removed by regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar. Tartar is difficult to remove without professional dental cleaning. The bacteria in plaque and tartar irritate and inflame the gum tissues, causing them to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. This condition is called gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of gum disease.

If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. In periodontitis, the infection spreads deeper into the gums and affects the underlying bone that supports the teeth. This can cause the gums to recede and may lead to tooth loss. In advanced stages, periodontal disease may cause bone loss, making the teeth loose and more likely to fall out.

Health Risks Linked to Gum Disease

Untreated gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth—it can have serious consequences for your overall health. Studies have shown that periodontal disease is linked to several health issues, including:

Heart Disease

There is a strong connection between gum disease and heart disease. The bacteria in the infected gums can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart. This can increase the risk of developing heart disease, including heart attacks and clogged arteries.

Stroke

Gum disease can also increase the risk of stroke. The same bacteria that cause gum infection can travel through the bloodstream to the brain, increasing the chances of stroke. Maintaining good oral health may help reduce this risk.

High Blood Pressure

Some studies have suggested a link between gum disease and high blood pressure. Inflammation caused by gum infection may contribute to the development of hypertension, or high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Pregnancy Complications

Gum disease can increase the risk of pregnancy complications, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Bacteria from the gums may enter the bloodstream and affect the developing baby. Pregnant women should pay special attention to their oral health to avoid these risks.

Respiratory Conditions

Oral bacteria from gum disease can also affect the respiratory system. These bacteria can travel to the lungs, leading to respiratory infections like pneumonia. People with gum disease may be at a higher risk for these types of infections.

Diabetes

There is a two-way relationship between gum disease and diabetes. Diabetes can increase the risk of developing gum disease, while gum disease can make it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar levels. Managing both conditions together is important for overall health.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease may develop slowly, and its early symptoms can be mild. However, if left untreated, it can progress quickly. Common symptoms of gum disease include:

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing

• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth

• Receding gums or teeth that appear longer than usual

• Loose teeth or changes in the fit of dentures or bridges

• Pain or discomfort while chewing or biting down

• Pimple-like bumps on the gums, which may contain pus

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a dental visit as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent the disease from progressing to more severe stages.

What is Gum Treatment?

Gum treatment is essential to prevent the progression of gum disease and restore gum health. The goal of treatment is to stop the disease, reduce inflammation, and encourage the growth of healthy gum tissue. The type of treatment required depends on the severity of the disease.

Non-Surgical Gum Treatment

At Peak Dental Care, we prioritize non-surgical approaches to treat gum disease. One of the most effective non-surgical treatments is scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning. This procedure involves cleaning the teeth below the gumline to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the roots of the teeth.

Scaling refers to the process of removing plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth, both above and below the gumline. This helps to reduce the bacteria that are causing the infection.

Root planing smooths the roots of the teeth to help the gums reattach to the tooth surfaces. This process also removes any remaining infected tissue and promotes the healing of the gums.

The goal of scaling and root planing is to halt the progression of gum disease and allow the gums to heal. It is often effective for patients with mild to moderate gum disease and can prevent the need for more invasive treatments, such as surgery.

Benefits of Non-Surgical Treatment

Non-surgical gum treatments, like scaling and root planing, offer several benefits:

• Pain Relief: Non-surgical treatments help reduce gum inflammation and pain caused by infection.

• Prevent Tooth Loss: Early treatment can help prevent the loss of teeth caused by gum disease.

• Improved Gum Health: These treatments promote the growth of healthy gum tissue and reduce swelling.

• Cost-Effective: Non-surgical treatments are often less expensive than surgical alternatives.

• Minimal Recovery Time: Non-surgical treatments typically require little to no downtime, allowing patients to return to their normal activities quickly.

Follow-Up Care and Maintenance

After undergoing non-surgical treatment, it is important to follow a regular oral hygiene routine and attend follow-up appointments to ensure the gums continue to heal properly. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings to prevent plaque buildup and maintain gum health.

Why Choose Non-Surgical Gum Treatment?

Dr. Scott Lindsay and the team at Peak Dental Care in Centennial, Colorado, prioritize your comfort and well-being. Non-surgical gum treatments, such as scaling and root planing, are effective options for managing gum disease without the need for invasive procedures. These treatments are designed to restore gum health, alleviate symptoms, and prevent further complications.

If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease or want to learn more about non-surgical treatment options, contact us today. Our team is here to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

Conclusion

Gum disease is a serious condition that can lead to tooth and bone loss if left untreated. However, with early detection and proper treatment, gum disease can be managed and even reversed. Non-surgical treatments, such as scaling and root planing, are effective methods for halting the progression of gum disease and restoring gum health. If you suspect you may have gum disease, don’t wait to seek treatment. Contact Peak Dental Care today to schedule a consultation and protect your oral and overall health.