Gum disease can be cured by removing unhealthy bacteria and allowing your gums to heal. The treatment recommended by your dentist will depend on the stage of the disease and other factors. In this blog post, we’ll share the most common treatments for gum disease.
What is Gum Disease?
Together, your bones and gums hold your teeth in place. The buildup of plaque can lead to a bacterial infection in your gums that makes your gums red, inflamed, sore, bleeding, or painful. Eventually, gum disease can lead to tooth loss if it remains untreated.
How Do I Know if I Have Gum Disease?
If you have any of the signs and symptoms of gum disease, see a dentist as soon as possible:
- red or swollen gums
- bad breath that doesn’t get better
- sore gums
- bleeding gums
- sensitive teeth
- loose teeth
- receding gumline or teeth that look longer than they should
- difficulty chewing
How is Gum Disease Treated?
Treatment depends on your medical and dental history, the severity of gum disease, and other factors.
Antibacterial Toothpaste
Some over-the-counter toothpaste contains an antibiotic that can help reduce the bacteria that cause gum disease. Ask your dentist before switching to antibacterial toothpaste.
Prescription Mouthwash
In some cases, a prescription mouthwash called chlorhexidine (or PerioGard, Peridex, or PerioChip) can be used to control plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Chlorhexidine is especially helpful if pain and soreness are making it difficult to brush as often and as thoroughly as you need to.
Scaling and Root Planing
Sometimes plaque and bacteria adhere to the surface of the tooth in an area that isn’t visible – the part of the tooth that’s below the gumline. This hidden bacteria can contribute to gum disease. Root planing is a non-surgical treatment for gum disease that involves removing tartar and plaque from the visible part of the tooth (the crown) and the part of the tooth that’s covered by gum tissue (the root) to help promote healing.
Oral Antibiotics
In some cases, oral antibiotics may be required to fight the infection in your gums. Typically, antibiotics are used in coordination with other treatments like scaling and root planing.
Surgical Treatment Options
There are also several surgical treatment options for moderate to severe gum disease, including flap surgery/pocket reduction surgery, soft tissue grafts, bone grafts, bone surgery, and guided tissue regeneration.
Getting Help
If you think you may have gum disease, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent tooth loss and other long-term problems. The team at your local Ideal Dental is here to help without judgment. Find your local Ideal Dental office to make an appointment – we can’t wait to see you smile!