Gum Disease Treatment That Helps Stop Serious Health Issues

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a widespread and serious problem. Four out of five people have it and don’t know it! It begins with mild gum inflammation – this early stage is called gingivitis. You may notice red, painful, swollen, or bleeding gums, but there are often no other significant symptoms. The disease attacks the gums and bone that support the teeth and can lead to serious tissue and bone loss, eventually resulting in lost teeth. Without effective gum disease treatment from a Washington, PA dentist, periodontal disease has also been linked to other diseases, such as stroke, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia, and increased risk during pregnancy. Symptoms to watch out for include:

• Bleeding gums
• Red or swollen gums
• Tenderness
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Pus around teeth and gums

Types of Gum Disease Treatment

Our dentists’ treatment plan for periodontal disease depends on the severity of the patient’s symptoms. Scaling and root planing are our most common recommendations. This “deep cleaning” targets bacterial accumulations around and underneath the patient’s natural gum line; we’ll also specifically focus on the tooth root surfaces, smoothing rough spots so that they aren’t as likely to attract plaque build-up over time.

Additionally, we may recommend focused antibiotic therapy with Atridox®. This topical gel is applied directly to the affected gum tissue and is most effective when added following scaling and root planing. After it’s in place, it will conform to the shape of the tissue and solidify, gradually releasing effective antibiotic medication that will eradicate infectious bacteria.