Fighting Back Against Gum Disease

Stay on track with dental exams to prevent gum disease.

Permanent teeth are supposed to be permanent.  It is possible to make your teeth last a lifetime.  At Forest Lane Dental we see patients who are losing teeth to gum disease.  The problem is not that these patients have neglected their dental health completely.  Even with good personal dental hygiene habits, disease can take over.  The leading cause of tooth loss in adults is due to gum disease, also known as periodontal disease.  One reason that gum disease is allowed to progress to the stage that causes tooth loss is that many people do not realize that the early warning signs of gum disease are not a normal part of life.

Signs That You May Be Developing Gum Disease

1.  Reddened, irritated gum tissue
2. Bleeding gums, especially with brushing or flossing
3. "Pocketing" of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth.

Gum Disease Is A Bacterial Infection

Gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis is caused by destructive oral bacteria, which take hold beneath the gumline, slowly destroying healthy bone and gum tissue.  Over time, and left untreated, the bacterial infection progresses until gums have receded severely, bone around the tooth roots is lost, and teeth become loose and painful.  The best time to treat gum disease, like any other disease, is early.  Taking steps to eliminate destructive bacteria at the first signs of a problem can help prevent damage to teeth and gums, helping you keep your teeth for a lifetime.

Treatment of Gum Disease

Dr. Jack E. Burroughs, of Forest Lane Dental, understands that prevention is the best medicine.  This is why he recommends a dental check-up and professional dental cleaning at least twice a year.  If early signs of gum disease are detected during examination, treatment can begin and the disease can be stopped or reversed.

The early stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is the only stage that can be completely reversed.  If you are diagnosed with gingivitis, treatment can be as simple as having a therapeutic cleaning procedure and changing the way you take care of your teeth at home.  Special antibacterial mouth rinses and treatments may be recommended in order to help eliminate destructive bacteria.

In more advanced cases of gum disease, such as periodontitis, other treatments may be recommended.  In order to help eliminate bacteria beneath the gums, special antibiotic applications may be used, in addition to intensive dental cleaning procedures.  The good news is that even in the case of more advanced gum disease, your teeth and gums can often be preserved with proper treatment and home care.

Do Not Be Fooled By Bleeding Gums

The best dental advice that can be given, is to not be fooled into believing that bleeding gums are normal.  If your gums bleed, are red or irritated, or have started to fall away from the surface of your teeth, it is time to act.  Schedule a consultation and cleaning appointment at Forest Lane Dental and get started on the path to healthy teeth and gums.