The Importance of Early Gum Disease Treatment
Millions of people go to their dentist each year to hear a surprising diagnosis of gum disease, which will require some form of gum disease treatment. This diagnosis often comes as a shock because many people don’t see any signs of gum disease and they feel that they take pretty good care of their teeth. But while gum disease may be hard to detect, gum disease treatment isn't difficult. There are numerous methods for gum disease treatment that vary based on the condition of the gums and the progression of the disease.Gum Disease Treatment for Gingivitis
The most common form of gum disease is called gingivitis. This mild form of gum disease often goes undetected, but can cause gums to become sensitive or bleed when brushing or flossing. People who need gum disease treatment for gingivitis may also notice chronic bad breath, a bad taste in their mouth or swollen gums. While gingivitis isn’t a serious form of gum disease, starting treatment is essential to keeping the disease from progressing.Gum Disease Treatment Options for Gingivitis
Most gum disease treatment methods are things you should already be doing as part of an effective oral hygiene routine. These gum disease treatment options include brushing effectively (reaching all surfaces), flossing daily to remove food particles, and using an antiseptic mouth rinse to protect your teeth from plaque that can cause gingivitis. The truth is that gingivitis is typically caused by ineffective or poor oral hygiene techniques. By working hard to keep your teeth healthy, your gums will automatically reap the benefits, eliminating the need for serious gum disease treatment.Gum Disease Treatment for Periodontal Disease
If not taken seriously enough, gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease, a more serious form of gum disease that will require more comprehensive gum disease treatment.Gum Disease Treatment Options for Gingivitis
Since periodontal disease is an infection of your gums, it requires prompt treatment to bring your gums back to good health. Options for gum disease treatment of advanced periodontal disease include:- Root Planing and Scaling: Performed at the dentist's office, this highly effective procedure allows your dental professional to clean your teeth all the way down below your gum line to the roots. A local numbing agent is often used to make the procedure less uncomfortable. (1)
- Antibiotic Treatment: Your dentist may also elect to use an antibiotic for gum disease treatment. This involves the placement of an antibiotic agent between your gums and teeth to help your gums heal quickly. This treatment typically lasts for about a week until the gum disease treatment takes effect.
- Surgical Gum Disease Treatment: As gum disease progresses, surgery may become the best option. Surgical gum disease treatment options include a gingivectomy, which involves the removal of diseased gum tissue. This helps gums heal and prevents future plaque build-up. You may also need surgery to repair bone damage, or you may need a tooth extracted if the damage is too severe to fix with surgery. (2)
Not sure where to start? The Crest Pro-Health Regimen is simple and effective way to help stop gingivitis before it starts. It includes a powerful toothbrush and specially-formulated toothpaste, rinse, and floss. When combined, these products work hard to keep your teeth and gums in good health.
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