Do your gums bleed when you brush? Are your gums sensitive? If you have gum disease, Sandy Springs Dentistry offers periodontal disease treatment in Atlanta, GA.
Dr. Maria Benefield does deep cleanings to help ensure your smile is bright and healthy. We also provide restorative and general dentistry treatments at our Atlanta, Georgia, office.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is caused by bacteria found in plaque. The bacteria inflame and infect the gum tissues, and when left untreated, the gums can pull away from the teeth. Untreated gum disease can result in bone loss, tooth loss, and gum tissue recession.
What are the Signs of Gum Disease?
Common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
- Pain when biting and chewing
- Tooth loss
Contact our office if you notice signs of gum inflammation, or gingivitis. Early signs of gum disease can include swollen, red, and bleeding gums.
Untreated gum disease can cause the gums to recede, exposing the sensitive root surfaces of your teeth. When this happens, you may feel heightened sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. Gum recession also makes your teeth more prone to cavities.
As gum disease progresses, it weakens the structures that support your teeth. This can cause teeth to become loose and, eventually, fall out. Losing teeth doesn’t just affect your appearance. It can also make chewing more difficult and impact your overall ability to eat and speak comfortably.
Over time, gum disease can cause the jawbone to break down. This not only affects the stability of your remaining teeth but can also lead to noticeable changes in the shape and structure of your face. Bone loss can cause a sunken appearance and make it more difficult to use dentures or implants.
Connections Between Gum Disease and Overall Health
The health of your gums is closely linked to your overall health. Unfortunately, untreated gum disease can have far-reaching effects beyond your mouth.
Heart Disease
Studies show a connection between gum disease and heart health. The bacteria and inflammation caused by gum disease can enter your bloodstream and contribute to conditions like clogged arteries, heart disease, and even stroke. Inflammation in the gums might increase the risk of heart disease by affecting the blood vessels.
Diabetes
The relationship between gum disease and diabetes goes both ways. Gum disease can make it harder for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels. High blood sugar, in turn, creates a favorable environment for gum disease to worsen.
Respiratory Infections
Bacteria from gum disease don’t just stay in your mouth—they can travel to your lungs. Inhaling harmful bacteria can lead to infections in people with weakened immune systems or pre-existing lung conditions. Keeping your gums healthy reduces the risk of these serious health issues.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Gum disease bacteria may also play a role in worsening rheumatoid arthritis. Studies suggest that the inflammation and bacteria linked to gum disease can aggravate arthritis symptoms. It can also speed up joint damage.
Gum Disease Treatment Options in Atlanta, GA
The treatment for gum disease is based on your specific needs. Depending on the severity of the condition, our dentist may recommend the following:
Dental Cleanings
We will recommend more frequent professional cleanings if you have mild gum disease. These cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup from areas your toothbrush and floss can’t reach. Regular cleanings prevent symptoms from worsening.
At-Home Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing daily can help prevent gum disease. It can also treat gingivitis, or gum inflammation. Our dentist may suggest changes to your daily habits, such as brushing more frequently, to prevent gum disease. She may also recommend an antibacterial mouthwash to keep harmful bacteria at bay.
Antibiotic Treatment
In some cases, antibiotics may be needed to fight the infection. These treatments can come in various forms, such as mouth rinses, topical gels applied to the gums, or oral medications. They help reduce inflammation and target bacteria deep within gum pockets. We can also place antibiotics in the gums after a deep cleaning.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
If you have moderate gum disease, we will recommend scaling and root planing. This deep cleaning procedure removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline. It also smooths out the tooth roots, which helps the gums reattach to the teeth and promotes healing.
Gum Surgery
When gum disease becomes severe and other treatments do not work, our dentist may recommend surgical options. These procedures remove damaged tissue, reduce deep gum pockets, and restore lost gum tissue with grafts. They can create a healthier environment for the gums to heal. It also protects the gum tissue from further damage.
However, surgery is not for everyone. If you have mild gum disease symptoms, we can treat you without the need for surgery.
Can You Reverse Gum Disease?
Yes, you can reverse gum disease in its earliest stage, called gingivitis. Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, happens when plaque builds up along the gum line. This can cause the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. At this stage, there is no permanent damage to the teeth or gums. We can reverse gum damage with the proper care.
To reverse gum inflammation, brush and floss at least twice a day. Also, continue to visit us twice a year. Regular professional dental cleanings remove tartar, a hardened form of plaque you can’t remove at home.
If gum inflammation becomes gum disease, you need periodontal disease treatment in our Atlanta, GA, office. Treatment may include deep cleanings, medications, and sometimes surgery.
The best way to protect your gums is to brush, floss, and see our dentist regularly. When you treat gum problems early, you can prevent lasting damage.
Restore Your Gum Health Today
Do you have painful, bleeding gums? Get periodontal disease treatment in Atlanta and Sandy Springs, GA. Call 470-999-6489 or schedule an appointment online. If you have questions about treatment, please let us know. We’re happy to help.