Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth? You may be developing gingivitis, or gum inflammation. This condition can precede periodontitis, or gum disease. Periodontitis affects 3 million Americans each year and is fairly common. However, it can lead to serious problems like tooth loss if it is not treated early enough.
Signs of Gum Disease
Know the signs of periodontitis. You may be at risk for multiple conditions if you have gum disease. These common conditions may include:
- Gum swelling
- Halitosis (Bad breath)
- Loose teeth
- Gum recession
- Shifting teeth
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Heart attacks
Call Dr. Jason Baldwin if you have noticed any of these symptoms. He will work with you to find an effective treatment option that fits your budget and goals. You can call his Truckee, CA if you have any questions about your symptoms or you want to schedule an appointment.
Treating Gum Disease
Gum disease can be treated surgically and non-surgically. Non-surgical treatments for periodontitis may include antibiotics, scaling, and root planing. Topical or oral antibiotics can help eliminate bacteria that causes infection in the gums. Scaling using a laser or ultrasonic device also removes bacteria and tartar from teeth and gums. Root planing smooths out tooth roots and helps to remove bacteria that causes gum inflammation.
Surgical treatments for periodontitis can include pocket reduction or flap surgery, bone grafting, and tissue regeneration. Flap surgery exposes tooth roots for more effective scaling and planing by lifting back the gum tissue. Bone grafting treats receded gums by holding the affected tooth in place and promoting bone regrowth. Tissue regeneration helps to regrow lost gum tissue.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
You can take several preventative measures to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy. Visiting the dentist twice a year for regular tooth cleanings can help you maintain your oral health. Brushing and flossing twice a day is still the best way to prevent problems like gingivitis from developing into periodontitis.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Call Dr. Baldwin at (530) 206-0392 if you think you may have gingivitis or periodontitis. Dr. Baldwin and his team provide high-quality dental care that you can feel good about.