Sciota, Pennsylvania
Here’s how widespread gum disease is in America. If you are over the age of 30, your chance of developing this infection is almost equivalent to flipping a coin and calling heads or tails. That’s what the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say, estimating that 47.2% of adults over 30 in the U.S., have some form of gum disease. This ailment poses a serious threat to your oral health and can even wreak havoc on your overall health. That’s why Quiet Valley Dental offers a comprehensive program of periodontal treatment for patients with gum disease in Sciota and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania. How exactly do we treat gum disease? Find out today on the blog.
The stages of gum disease
If you have gum disease, that means your gums have developed a bacterial infection. In most cases, such an infection forms from the accumulation of bacteria and plaque in the mouth as a consequence of subpar oral care. Gum disease also can develop as a side effect from certain medications or from hormonal changes.
The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. Inflammation is the most common symptom; this may manifest as making your gums red, tender or swollen. People with gingivitis often experience bleeding gums, especially when they brush and floss. If you can have gum disease detected and treated in this stage, then any damage done to your teeth and mouth can be reversed.
Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease. By this time, you’ve sustained permanent oral damage. In periodontitis, the bacteria attacking your gums forms into pockets at the base of your teeth. These pockets expand and then the bacteria within them spreads, forming new pockets. Meanwhile, your gums recede, exposing more gum tissue to infection.
The consequences of gum disease
Untreated gum disease only becomes more severe with the passage of time. Just ignoring it and hoping it will go away is the worst decision that you can make. The possible consequences of gum disease include tooth loss and the deterioration of the supporting jawbone. The bacteria in gum disease also can filter into your bloodstream, causing cardiac problems. In fact, research conducted at Harvard found that patients with gum disease had double the risk factor of developing major cardiac issues.
How we treat gum disease in Sciota
Your dentists in Sciota have several methods at their disposal to treat gum disease and its related effects. First, one of our dentists will conduct a thorough exam of your mouth, looking for inflammation or the formation of the pockets that develop in periodontitis. We also may take X-rays of your mouth to determine if bone loss has occurred.
From there, treatment may occur. Options include the following:
- Repetitive therapy – This treatment combines scaling, which removes all plaque and tartar from both above and below the gum line; and planing, which smooths the exposed tooth roots and makes it easier for your gums to reattach to your teeth.
- Medication – We may prescribe an oral antibiotic called Arestin. This medicine is administered in powder form and the powder is rubbed directly onto the gums, including any periodontal pockets that have formed.
- Surgery – Although rare, certain severe cases of gum disease may call for surgery or bone grafts.
Gum disease is like many other ailments and conditions; prevention is your best defense. You can lower your risk of this bacterial infection by following the American Dental Association’s recommended regimen of care: brushing your teeth twice per day, flossing daily and seeing your dentist once every six months for a checkup that includes a dental cleaning and an oral examination.
If you’ve lapsed in your schedule of regular dental visits or you need to find a new dentist, Quiet Valley Dental is here to help. Schedule a consultation today by calling (570) 992-7040 or completing our online contact form.
