Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues in America. It has been estimated by the CDC that about half of all American adults suffer from some form of gum disease. Proper at-home care and intervention from a dentist are critical for preventing gum disease from progressing and keeping your teeth and gums healthy. At Arrowhead Family Dentistry, we offer expert periodontal treatment in Peoria. Schedule your consultation right away if you think you may be struggling with periodontal disease.
The term “gingivitis” is used to refer to the first stage of periodontal disease. In this stage of the disease, the gums may be inflamed and infected, but they have not been permanently damaged. The teeth and gums are still healthy, and the disease can be completely reversed and eliminated with proper at-home care and periodontal treatment from a dentist.
In contrast, the term “periodontal disease” or “periodontitis” is usually used to refer to the later stages of gum disease, which can cause permanent damage to the structures of the teeth and gums. Proper periodontal care can halt the progression of periodontitis, but the disease can never be fully eliminated or reversed. This is why it’s so important to get early treatment for periodontal disease.
The severity of the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease will vary, based on the progression of the disease. Gingivitis, the first stage, typically presents symptoms such as swollen, puffy gums, discolored (red or purplish) gums, and gums bleeding when brushing and flossing. You may also experience bad breath (halitosis) that won’t go away, due to high levels of oral bacteria.
As periodontal disease progresses, the signs and symptoms become more severe and painful. You may experience tooth sensitivity to pressure, heat, and cold, as well as symptoms like receding gums, which may make your teeth look longer.
In very advanced cases of gum disease, you may even notice symptoms like a change in the way your teeth fit together, loose teeth, a bad taste in your mouth, and pockets of pus forming between your teeth and gums.
Periodontal therapy usually begins with a treatment called “scaling and root planing” which is also referred to as a “deep cleaning.” This treatment is performed over two appointments, with half of your mouth being treated at each visit.
Our doctors will use special dental tools to scrape away plaque and tartar from between your gums and teeth, and then smooth out the roots of your teeth to eliminate bacteria, which tends to collect in these pockets. You will also usually receive a prescription antibiotic treatment, which you’ll use according to your dentist’s instructions. With proper at-home oral care, scaling & root planing can reverse gingivitis, and halt the progression of periodontitis.
Life at
Arrowhead
Book Your Visit 24/7
