Gum Disease in Appleton

What Does Periodontal Disease Mean?

Periodontal disease begins as an inflammation of the gums that surround your teeth and secure them in place in your jaw. The first stage is called gingivitis, and it's the only stage at which there's a successful gum disease cure. When it's left untreated, gingival disease can destroy your gums, your jawbone, your facial structure and cause the loss of all your teeth. It's the primary cause of tooth loss in adults who are 35 years and older.

Are There Specific Causes of Gingivitis?

The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene or a lack of sufficient good hygiene. You may assiduously brush, floss, and use an antibacterial mouthwash once daily, but that regimen isn't enough to forestall the onset of gum disease. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush at least twice daily, floss at least once daily, and use an antibacterial mouthwash. You should, at a minimum, make sure that your brushing and flossing schedule includes the time just before you go to bed. Otherwise, bacteria in your mouth can begin to destroy your gums and cause decay.

Are There Specific Gum Disease Symptoms?

If you have gum disease, you may have specific gingivitis symptoms, or you may have the disease asymptomatically. If you notice minor bleeding when you brush and floss, then you may have the beginning of gum disease, and there may be pain, or there may not. Other gum disease symptoms include:

• An odd taste in your mouth
• Swollen gums
• Sensitive gums
• Perpetual bad breath

If you have gum disease in Appleton, you may experience any or all or none of these gingivitis symptoms.

What Signs Indicate the Presence of Gum Disease?

During your exam, your dentist will look for the following signs of gum disease:

• Receding gums
• Loosened teeth
• Inflammation at the gum line
• Irregular gaps between your teeth
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Swollen gums

If your dentist observes any of these signs of gingivitis, then they may recommend a gum disease treatment that will be based on the severity of your disease and your gum disease symptoms.

Are There Different Stages of Gingivitis Symptoms?

There are three distinct stages of gum disease but reversing it is possible only when you're in the beginning stage of gingivitis.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis can be present for a long time without exhibiting any symptoms. However, you may also have minor bleeding when you brush or floss, and you may or may not experience any pain. At this point, reversing gum disease is possible as long as there's no disease progression.

Periodontitis

This is the second stage of gingival disease and requires a more aggressive gingivitis treatment. At this point, you'll have permanently damaged your gums and jawbone, and it will be possible to halt the progression of the disease but not reverse the damage that has been done.

Advanced Periodontitis

By this time, gum disease will have destroyed your gums and your jawbone, and your facial features will be distorted. You'll have lost many or all of your teeth, and your only gingivitis cure at this point is reconstructive dentistry. It's far easier to address the signs of gingivitis before they reach this stage than it is to deal with the aftermath of the destruction caused by gum disease.

Is There an Effective Gingivitis Cure?

The best and most effective gingivitis cure is prevention that includes regular dental checkups and cleanings and a daily regimen of good oral hygiene. If you need to schedule an appointment, then call Apple Town Dental Care at (920) 241-3397, and we'll be happy to help you.

When Is Advanced Periodontitis and Gingivitis Treatment Necessary?

If your gingivitis treatment hasn't been successful, your dentist may try more aggressive treatments that include root planing below the gums, antibiotics, professional scaling, and antibacterial mouthwashes. You may also be referred to a specialist – called a periodontist – who may recommend surgery. It's much better to prevent the onset of this insidious disease than it is to deal with the consequences of it.

Is It Possible to Reverse Gum Disease at Home?

It may be tempting to try to reverse your gum disease through do-it-yourself methods, but the most effective way for treating gum disease in Appleton is to have a professional exam and cleaning. Our skilled dentists can detect issues that you might miss, so don't ignore any symptoms of gingivitis. If you don't have any signs of gingivitis, you may still have the early stages of the disease, so call us today for an appointment for a gingivitis cure. You'll be glad you did.