Periodontal (gum) disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults over age 30. Not to mention that gum disease can contribute to non-dental related health concerns like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Periodontal treatment in Bellevue, NE, can help you combat gum disease, keep it under control, and protect your overall health and well-being.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease can start with a simple lack of oral hygiene that causes plaque and bacteria to build up and irritate your gums. Eventually, this leads to an infection that can travel down to your jawbone if it's not treated. It attacks your teeth's main support system, destroying it and eventually resulting in tooth loss.
Gingivitis
The early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. If you suffer from gingivitis, you may notice these symptoms:
- Bleeding during brushing and flossing
- Red, irritated, or swollen gums
- Chronic bad breath that doesn't go away when you brush your teeth or use mouth rinse
If you notice these signs, contact your Bellevue dentist right away and schedule a teeth cleaning and checkup. The earlier we can diagnose gum disease, the better we can help you successfully manage it. Some patients can even successfully reverse their condition with a thorough professional teeth cleaning and some improvements to their home care routine.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease. If you suffer from periodontitis, you may notice your teeth beginning to feel mobile, pain or tenderness when chewing, and gum recession. It's in this stage that the damage begins to occur and sadly, there's no cure. However, we can help patients manage their gum disease successfully with periodontal treatment that could consist of:
- A deep cleaning called scaling a root planing that reaches below the gumline to eliminate plaque and tartar buildup
- Grafting surgery for a severe case
- Antibiotic therapy
- Additional cleanings throughout the year to manage the condition
Book an Appointment at Kennedy Dental in Bellevue, NE!
If you're worried about signs of gum disease, or if it's time to schedule your next dental appointment, contact your team at Kennedy Dental today.