Gum Disease in Lakeland

What Does Having Periodontal Disease Involve?

Periodontal infections are often referred to as gum disease. In the earliest stages, your gum tissue might only show mild inflammation. The initial stage of gum disease is commonly called gingivitis, and it’s important to know that this is the only point when the condition is reversible. This is why our dentists take a proactive approach to treating gum disease in Lakeland. With early detection and prompt care, we can help to alleviate your symptoms of gingivitis.

What Are the Causes of Gingivitis?

Poor oral hygiene is the main cause of gingivitis symptoms. When you don’t floss and brush your teeth regularly, a substance called plaque can start to build up. Plaque is often filled with bacteria that can cause inflammation and other signs of gingivitis. Once the plaque turns into tartar, it causes increasing irritation. Most gingivitis symptoms are preventable with good oral hygiene care. But, we also offer gum disease treatment that improves your oral health.

What Are the Most Common Gum Disease Symptoms?

You can have gum disease for a long time before you notice obvious symptoms. The most common gingivitis symptoms include the following:

• Noticing bleeding when you floss and brush your teeth
• Struggling with bad breath or noticing an unusual taste in your mouth
• Having puffy, sensitive or red gums

What Signs of Gum Disease Should I Look For?

Dentists look for the following signs of gingivitis and periodontitis when you come into our office for an examination.

• Pockets of inflammation that occur at the base of your gum tissue
• Pus that is visible between your gums and teeth
• Gums that are beginning to pull away from the bottom of your teeth
• Loose teeth or obvious movement leading to gaps
• Swelling of your gum tissues

What Are the Main Stages of Gum Disease?

Gum disease moves through three distinct stages that your dentist will use to determine the degree of advancement. Knowing about these stages can help you understand whether you can benefit from a gingivitis cure or other types of treatment.

1. Gingivitis - In the earliest stage of gum disease, you might notice occasional minor bleeding during your oral hygiene routine. At this point, you shouldn’t feel any pain. It is during this stage that you have the best chances of achieving a fast gingivitis cure. Let our dentists know when you’ve had bleeding during toothbrushing, and they’ll help you manage the condition before it progresses. 
2. Periodontitis - If you don’t address the signs of gingivitis early on, then you can move into this stage. The damage to your jawbone and the supporting tissues that help to hold your teeth in their proper places becomes permanently damaged. Your dentist may identify periodontal pockets along your gum line that trap food and bacterial buildup. But, you still have hope for preserving your oral health. Our dentists offer specialized treatments to address increasing gum disease symptoms.
3. Advanced Periodontitis - Hearing that you are in the final stage of gum disease is upsetting, and you might be feeling your teeth shifting or getting looser. Severe cases of gum disease could cause your teeth to fall out. Focusing on reversing gum disease sooner can help you avoid these types of serious oral health issues.

Is There a Gingivitis Cure Dentists Use?

An early diagnosis is essential for achieving a gum disease cure. Early treatments for gingivitis include following a strict oral hygiene routine and seeing our dentists for regular teeth cleanings. With extra care, your goal of halting gingivitis is within your reach. To find out if you have gingivitis, reach out to our team for a dental evaluation.

What Is Involved With Gingivitis Treatment?

When simple gingivitis care isn’t enough, our dentists can create a plan for more intensive treatment. Your periodontal care plan might include scaling and root planing just below the gum line. We can also provide you with antibiotic treatments and antibacterial mouth rinses. If you have an extreme case, then surgery can help reduce gum pockets and strengthen the oral tissues that hold your teeth in place.

How Do I Begin Reversing Gum Disease?

In the early stages, it might be possible to reverse gingivitis by focusing more on oral hygiene and seeing your dentist for dental cleanings. Our dentists are committed to helping you fight gum disease in Lakeland and preserve your smile. Don’t ignore mild symptoms. Give us a call and schedule your consultation today.