February is Gum Disease Awareness Month, and we are here to help raise important awareness of this ailment. Gum disease is when the gums and tissues around the teeth become inflamed and infected. It can cause significant damage to your mouth if left untreated, leading to pain, inflammation, and tooth loss. Thankfully, gum disease is treatable with proper hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental visits at our facility in Phoenix, Arizona. If you are experiencing any symptoms of gum disease, such as redness, sensitivity, or bleeding while brushing or flossing your teeth, please don’t hesitate to seek treatment! With early intervention, these symptoms can usually be reversed. So don’t wait—contact Family Dental Phoenix today for advice on how to keep your gums healthy long-term.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the gums and other supporting structures around the teeth. It is caused by bacteria in plaque buildup which irritates the gums and causes them to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and even systemic diseases such as heart attack or stroke.
Signs & Symptoms of Gum Disease
The most common signs and symptoms of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums.
- Receding gums.
- Bad breath.
- Loose teeth.
- Pus between the teeth.
- Changes in bite alignment.
If you experience any of these symptoms, please get in touch with us immediately so we can evaluate your condition and offer treatment if needed.
Will Gum Disease Go Away on its Own?
When it comes to gum disease, it always pays to be proactive. While the early stages of this uncomfortable oral health condition can sometimes go away on their own with a few changes in our daily routine, like brushing twice a day and flossing regularly, once it progresses past the gingivitis stage, it is no longer something that resolves without dental intervention. Unfortunately, if left untreated over long periods, gum disease can lead to more serious oral health issues, including tooth loss and damage to the jawbone – so getting timely treatment is vital!
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
Incorporating good dental habits into your daily routine is an excellent way of preventing gum disease. Start by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and floss the areas plaque tends to build up! Limiting sugary and acidic beverages is also essential, as these increase the bacteria that can lead to gum disease. Finally, remember to visit our team for regular checkups. We’ll ensure that your gums stay healthy by identifying problems before they worsen. So just be sure to take care of yourself, and you’ll have a happy, healthy mouth in no time!
Treatment for Gum Disease
With proper care and regular checkups with our experienced team here at Family Dental Phoenix, we can help treat your gum disease and keep it from progressing. Family Dental Phoenix specializes in treating all stages of gum disease, from mild gingivitis to advanced periodontal disease (Periodontitis). Treatment will depend on the severity of your condition but commonly includes scaling & root planing (deep cleaning), antibiotics, laser therapy, surgery, or a combination of these treatments.
What is Periodontitis, and Can it Be Cured?
Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is a severe infection of the gums that damages the tissue and bones that support the teeth. The primary cause is plaque deposits on the teeth which are not regularly removed by brushing and flossing. If not attended to quickly and adequately, Periodontitis can cause swollen gum lines, bad breath, loose teeth, and eventual tooth loss. Although it cannot be cured, Periodontitis can be effectively treated and managed with diligent care from a dentist or oral hygienist. So if you’re experiencing any of these signs, don’t wait; treat Periodontitis now before it worsens! Establishing regular dental visits for checkups is key for catching this condition in its early stages before it does too much damage to your teeth and gums.
Gum Disease Treatment in Phoenix
At Family Dental Phoenix, we want to help raise awareness about gum disease and how it can affect oral health. If you have any questions or want to learn more about our services, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to hear from you! And remember—regular dental checkups are key in preventing and treating gum disease!