Did you know that the risk for gum disease rises above the age of 35, then again dramatically past the age of 55? There are different stages of the condition, and the appropriate treatment varies based on when the condition is diagnosed. Dr. Carnow and the team at Frisco Periodontics and Dental Implants treat periodontitis and gingivitis in Frisco — keep reading to learn about the difference between these all too common conditions.
Gingivitis: Stage One of Gum Disease
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums due to the presence of plaque on the teeth. Think of it as a warning sign that fully developed gum disease isn’t far away — but it’s not there yet. If you visit your general dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning, any evidence of gingivitis will be caught early, when it’s still reversible. Improved dental hygiene practices and maybe a few additional visits to the dentist should be enough to reduce inflammation and keep you safe from the damaging effects of gum disease and periodontitis (more about that below).
The warning signs of gingivitis include:
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Bad breath, bad taste in the mouth
- Gums that bleed when you brush and floss your teeth
Periodontitis: Full Blown Gum Disease
If gingivitis is left untreated, it will progress to the serious form of gum disease known as periodontitis. While you may be able to ignore gum disease in the beginning stages, it’s difficult to let more advanced stages of the condition slip by without notice. Periodontitis is associated with a number of warning signs, including gum recession, sensitive teeth from exposed tooth roots, oral sores, persistent bad breath, and, in the disease’s latest stages, loose or even missing teeth.
Treatment for periodontitis is more in-depth than that for gingivitis. Tooth scaling and root planing involves cleaning above and below the gum line, smoothing out the tooth’s root to prevent reinfection on an irregular surface. For more severe levels of gum disease, surgical procedures like flap surgery and gum grafting may be necessary for removing infection and replacing the damaged periodontal tissue.
Preventing Gum Disease Is Simple
You can protect your mouth safe from all levels of gum disease through regular hygiene and six month checkups and cleaning with your dentist. Make sure you brush your teeth for two minutes, at least twice a day, and floss daily. Add an antimicrobial mouthwash for additional help killing bacteria and keeping your breath fresh. Maintain a balanced, low-sugar diet and stay away from tobacco use of any kind for better oral and overall health.
Talk to Us About Your Gum Health Today
If you’re above the age of 35, you’re at a higher risk of gum disease. Have you recently received a diagnosis of periodontitis from your general dentist? Your periodontist in Frisco, Dr. Carnow, provides high quality treatment in a state-of-the-art office. Please request an appointment with our team today!