Do you have sensitive gums? Does it hurt to floss or brush your smile? You may be developing gum disease. Gum inflammation, or gingivitis, is a precursor to gum disease. Gingivitis occurs when bacteria irritate and inflame the gum tissue. As gingivitis progresses, it turns into periodontitis or gum disease.
Patients with gum disease experience worsening symptoms over time, including gum recession and pain. Dr. Jordan Morris helps patients restore their teeth and gums with gum disease treatment in Sahuarita, AZ. Our dental office also provides additional restorative dentistry treatments for new and existing patients.
Do I Have Gum Disease?
Some of the beginning signs of gum disease include:
- Bleeding gums
- Gum pain
- Sensitivity to temperature
- Swollen gum tissue
- Red gums
Patients with these symptoms have gum inflammation. If nothing is done to reverse gingivitis, patients can experience gum disease with worsening symptoms:
- Gum recession
- Deep gum pockets
- Loosening teeth
Over time, gum disease damages the gum tissue and loosens permanent teeth. Patients with severe gum disease may ultimately require oral surgery and restorative care to replace their teeth. Please let us know if you notice changes in your gum health so we can take steps to stop bacterial buildup and the progression of gum disease.
Treat Signs of Gum Disease in Sahuarita, AZ
If you experience bleeding gums when you brush your teeth, you may need to brush and floss more often. Some patients do not realize the importance of flossing. When you brush your teeth, brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Remember to floss between each tooth to remove food debris from between teeth. Food debris attracts the bacteria that break down the gum tissue.
If your gums continue to bleed, we will recommend professional deep-cleaning treatment. Scaling and root planing remove plaque and tartar from the gum tissue and tooth roots. We will also apply antibiotics to help keep infection at bay. Deep cleaning treatments and antibiotics also help patients who experience symptoms of chronic gum disease.
Gum Disease FAQs
Learn about periodontal disease treatment in Sahuarita, AZ, with these common questions:
Am I at an increased risk of gum disease if I’m pregnant?
You might be at a higher risk of gum disease during pregnancy. This is because pregnancy can cause hormone changes, like an increase in progesterone, affecting your gums.
These hormonal changes can make your gums more sensitive, swell, bleed, or become more easily irritated. This condition is known as pregnancy gingivitis. You can safely get a dental cleaning in our office if you are pregnant so we can treat your gums.
Do I have gum disease if my gums bleed when I brush?
Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, but it’s not always the only cause. Sometimes, gums bleed because of brushing too hard, not flossing enough, or a lack of vitamin C.
However, if your gums continue to bleed when you brush, you may have gum inflammation or gingivitis. This happens when bacteria in plaque build up on your teeth and irritate your gums. It could also be gingivitis if you notice that your gums are red, sensitive, or swollen.
Can you cure gum disease?
Yes, gum disease can be treated, and in many cases, it can be managed and improved with proper care. If caught early, it’s often easy to treat. Good brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups can help heal your gums. In advanced stages of gum disease, you may need deep cleanings and sometimes surgery if needed.
Is gum disease linked to other health problems?
Yes, gum disease can be linked to other health problems, like heart disease and diabetes. Some studies suggest that people with gum disease might be more likely to have heart problems. This might be because the bacteria from gum disease can spread to the heart and cause inflammation.
There might be a link between gum disease and an increased risk of stroke. The inflammation from gum disease might affect blood vessels and increase stroke risk. Gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels, and having diabetes can make gum disease worse.
How can gum disease cause tooth loss?
Gum disease causes inflammation and infection in your gums. Over time, this can lead to the gums pulling away from your teeth and damaging the bone that supports your teeth. If the bone is damaged or lost, your teeth can become loose.
In addition, gum disease progresses, pockets can form between your teeth and gums. These pockets can trap bacteria and plaque, leading to more damage to the gum tissue and bone. If these pockets are deep, they can weaken the support for your teeth.
As the gums and bone are damaged, the support that holds your teeth in place decreases. This can make your teeth loose and eventually cause them to fall out.
What should I avoid if I have gum disease?
What you eat and drink can impact your gums. Sugar can help bacteria grow, which can make gum disease worse. Try to eat fewer sweets and drink less soda. Foods like chips, nuts, or chewy candy can hurt your gums and make them more irritated. Stick to softer foods that are easier on your gums.
Smoking can make gum disease worse and make it harder for your gums to heal. If you smoke, try to quit or limit tobacco use. Don’t skip brushing, flossing, or dental check-ups. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps manage gum disease. A hard toothbrush can be too rough on your gums. When you brush your teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid hurting your gums.
How much does gum disease treatment cost?
The cost of gum disease treatment depends on the type of treatment. Treating gingivitis, which usually involves a deep cleaning and better home care, costs the least.
Treatment can be more expensive for more advanced gum disease. Deep cleaning procedures or surgery cost more because they are more intensive. We will give you an estimate of your treatment cost beforehand.
Can I live a long life with gum disease?
Yes, of course! Gum disease might not directly affect how long you live, but if it’s not treated, it can lead to other health problems, like heart disease or diabetes, which could impact your overall health.
See our dentist for gum disease treatment as soon as possible to stay healthy. Maintain good oral hygiene at home and schedule regular dental check-ups.
Address Your Gum Health
Do you have early signs of gum disease? Are you experiencing chronic gum issues? Contact our Sahuarita dental office for gum treatment today at 520-412-9162. You may also request your next dental consultation with Dr. Morris on our website.