Gum Disease Q & A
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a serious oral health condition which occurs as a result of bacterial growth in the
mouth and if not treated may lead to the teeth loss and gum destruction. In its earliest stages,
gum disease is known as Gingivitis. It starts with the accumulation of plaque at the gum line,
leading to inflamed gums which bleed during brushing or flossing. Gums may be irritated at this
stage, but are still firm and have no serious damage.
New Hyde Park Dental in Lake Success,
New York, goes through a thorough evaluation to catch gum disease at its earliest stage,
preventing it from get worse. However, when gum disease is allowed to progress without
treatment, it can cause irreversible damage that will negatively impact your mouth for life. At this
point the gum disease is labeled Periodontitis. This stage is diagnosed when gums pull away
from the teeth and form sort of “pockets”, where food remnants collect and start to decay. As the
result gums get infected deeper and deeper, breaking down the tissue and bone holding the teeth
and destroying them. Once the teeth become loose, they may fall out completely. Periodontitis is
the primary reason of tooth loss among adults.
Early signs of gum disease include:
- Red gums
- Bleeding when brushing and/or flossing
- Bad breath
As gum disease gets worse, signs/symptoms include:
- Receding gums
- Indentations at the gum line
- Cold sensitivity
- Tooth loss
What are the treatments for Gum Disease?
Gum disease can be prevented by keeping plaque under control. It all starts with proper brushing
and flossing or your teeth every single day to prevent the occurrence of gum disease. Brushing
the teeth is necessary for loosening plaque from the surfaces of the teeth, while floss removes
bacteria-laden plaque from the tight spaces between the teeth and the gum line. Professional
dental cleanings at least once every six months is also very important.
Once diagnosed, treatment options for gum disease include surgical and nonsurgical procedures,
depending on the stage of the disease. Nonsurgical treatment includes scaling and root planning,
which is basically a procedure of deep cleaning above and below gum line, scraping away plaque
and smoothing down the rough spots on the
tooth root. Once the disease has passed the early
stage, surgical treatment may be necessary, which includes partial bone or tissue replacement or
contouring. If you need treatment for gum disease, please call New Hyde Park Dental as soon as
possible so that the health of your mouth can be restored. Treatment costs may vary based on individual needs.