Fighting Gum Disease in Fox Point

What Is Gum Disease?

Periodontitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the gums. Poor dental hygiene is often to blame for the initial development of gum disease. Failing to brush and floss effectively can allow particles of food to remain on the surfaces of teeth or between them. As bacteria inside your mouth break down these food particles, plaque is formed. This substance is whitish, sticky, and damaging to tooth enamel.

If plaque is not removed promptly from the teeth, it can harden to create a hard whitish substance known as plaque or calculus. This material adheres to the teeth and can cause irritation and inflammation of the gums and an increased risk of developing gum disease.

What Are the Warning Signs of Gingivitis?

Reversing gum disease is possible in the earliest stages. Regular visits to Lakeshore Family Dentistry in Fox Point can improve the odds that your dentist will spot gingivitis symptoms early enough to address them effectively. Some of the most common signs of gingivitis are listed here:

• Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing
• Redness or other changes to the color of your gums
• Swelling and sensitivity of the gums
• A shiny or stretched appearance for your gums
• Bad breath
• Unexplained sores in your mouth or on your gums

If you are experiencing any of these warning signs of gingivitis, it is important to schedule an appointment with Lakeshore Family Dentistry in Fox Point as soon as possible. Gingivitis symptoms typically indicate the progression of this serious dental condition. Seeking treatment right away for gingivitis can be the key to reversing gum disease and restoring your teeth and gums to a healthy state.

Common Signs of Gum Disease

If not treated effectively during the early stages, gingivitis symptoms usually develop to cause gum disease. Some of the most common gum disease symptoms include the following:

• Bleeding gums
• Pockets of pus under the gumline
• Bad breath and unpleasant tastes in your mouth
• Loosening of teeth
• Severe swelling of the gums
• Sensitivity to heat, cold, or pressure
• Pain or discomfort when biting or chewing

These gum disease symptoms can progress to cause loss of permanent teeth and bone loss inside the jaw. Seeking professional treatment for gum disease in Fox Point can help protect your teeth against loss and damage caused by periodontal disease.

What Are the Stages of Gum Disease?

For most of the patients we see at Lakeshore Family Dentistry in Fox Point, the progress of periodontal issues follows a predictable path that includes the following stages:

• Gingivitis: During the earliest stage of gingivitis, a gingivitis cure is possible with consistent treatment from Lakeshore Family Dentistry in Fox Point and good oral hygiene at home. Your gingivitis treatment will typically include daily flossing, antibacterial toothpaste and mouthwash, regular cleanings and treatments in our office. Sticking to your dentist's recommendations can often lead to a gingivitis cure.
• Periodontitis: While no gum disease cure is available for the later stages of periodontal disease, many of the same gingivitis treatment recommendations will still apply for patients with more advanced gum disease. Your periodontist may also remove infected tissue, drain pockets of pus, and prescribe antibiotics to assist you in managing your condition more effectively.
• Advanced periodontitis: During this stage of gum disease, pockets of bacterial infection are present under the gums and begin to attack the bone structures inside the gums. This can lead to significant bone loss, which can cause teeth to become loose and even to fall out over time.

Good oral hygiene is an important element in achieving a gingivitis cure. Once the disease has progressed to a later stage, however, gum disease treatment can slow the deterioration of the teeth and gums but cannot reverse the disease or its effects.

Gum Disease and Gingivitis Treatment in Fox Point

At Lakeshore Family Dentistry in Fox Point, we can provide solutions for periodontal treatment that could allow you to manage your gum disease in Fox Point more effectively. We cannot guarantee a gingivitis cure. Our team, however, will work with you to find the best and most practical solutions for halting the progress of gum disease and helping you to maintain better dental health now and in the future.

To learn more about your options for periodontal treatment in Fox Point, call Lakeshore Family Dentistry in Fox Point today at (414) 247-1990 to schedule an appointment. We are here to help you achieve better dental health for a lifetime of brighter and more beautiful smiles.