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Gum Disease
GUM DISEASE TREATMENT IN PHOENIX, AZ
Preventing Gum Disease
Brush Your Teeth
Patients should brush their teeth for two minutes at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.
Flossing
Flossing before brushing is imperative, as this allows the patient to clean away any loosened food particles and bacteria.
Routine dental visits
Routine dental visits are also key in preventing gum disease, especially for patients already at risk of developing gum disease.
GUM CARE IN PHOENIX, AZ
Gum Disease
Solutions for gum disease can help restore your overall oral health. Gum disease is largely preventable. However, if treatment is needed, you will need to see a dental professional.
According to the American Dental Association, gum disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is not always accompanied by pain—meaning that patients may not even know that they have it.
Usually, gum disease is caused by a poor oral hygiene routine that allows an excess of plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) to build up on the teeth. When plaque hardens under the gumline into tartar, it becomes more difficult to remove. At this point, the patient will be unable to remove the plaque and tartar without professional dental cleaning.
Solutions for gum disease are available at Hatcher Dental Studio in Phoenix and the surrounding area. Take the first step toward recovery.
TREATING GUM DISEASE IN PHOENIX, AZ
Treating Gum Disease
The earlier signs of gum disease are detected, the less invasive treatment procedures are.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics can help control infection and can be administered either topically or orally.
Root Scaling & Root Planing
While root planing smoothes the root surfaces to remove bacteria and discourage further buildup, root scaling removes tartar and bacteria from the tooth surfaces and beneath the gums.
Oral Surgery
Treatments may involve bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration, pocket reduction surgery (also known as flap surgery), soft tissue grafts, and tissue-stimulating proteins.
HEALTHY GUMS IN PHOENIX, AZ
FAQ's Gum Disease
What are the risk factors for gum disease?
Various risk factors may increase your risk of developing gum disease. These include having gingivitis, poor oral health habits, or inadequate nutrition (particularly a vitamin C deficiency). Smoking or chewing tobacco, as well as recreational drug use, may also increase your risk. Certain genetic conditions, medications, pre-existing health problems, and hormonal changes may also put you at heightened risk.
How is gum disease diagnosed?
Your dentist may review your medical history to rule out any other causal factors to your symptoms, then examine your mouth to look for any signs of disease. We will then measure the pocket depth of the groove between your gums and teeth. Then take dental X-rays to check for bone loss in any areas where the dentist notices deeper pocket depths.
Is there a link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease?
According to Healthline, recent research shows an association between gum disease and cardiovascular disease. A review of several different studies concluded that gum disease increases a patient's risk of heart disease by approximately 20%. Experts speculate this may be due to inflammation and bacteria in the gums leading to the narrowing of important arteries.
Can children develop gum disease?
Gum disease can affect patients of all ages. Children with gum disease usually experience chronic gingivitis, while otherwise healthy young people tend to be afflicted more by aggressive periodontitis. Generalized aggressive periodontitis may also follow puberty due to fluctuating hormone levels.
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is a form of gum inflammation that can develop into periodontitis. Our team can work together with patients to help reverse the signs of gingivitis. Periodontitis is another name for gum disease.