Periodontitis, often known as deep gum infection, is a serious dental problem that damages the soft tissues around the teeth. Without proper treatment, gum infection can damage the bone supporting your teeth and cause teeth to loosen, leading to tooth loss.
Periodontitis is common but can generally be prevented. It results from not taking care of your mouth and teeth. To avoid this gum problem or improve the chance of successful treatment, brush at least twice daily, floss daily, and have regular dental check-ups.
Today, you will know more about gum infection, its symptoms, and the treatment options.
Symptoms Of Severe Gum Infection
Healthy gums are firm and fit comfortably around the teeth. Their color varies, from light pink in some people to dark pink and brown in others. However, when you suffer from gum infection, the color of your gingival tissue darkens. Here are some of the symptoms of periodontitis mentioned-
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Bright red, dark red, or dark purple gums
- Gingival tissue that feels tender when touched
- Spitting out blood when you brush or floss
- A toothbrush that looks pink after you brush
- Bad breath that will not go away
- Loose teeth or loss of teeth
- Painful chewing
- New spaces that develop between teeth that look like black triangles
- Gingival tissue pulls away from teeth, making them look longer than usual.
Whenever you face these issues, consult with a dentist in Shreveport. After assessing your oral condition, the dental practitioner will give you the best treatment advice.
Risk Factors Associated With Gum Infection
Factors that increase the risk of periodontitis are-
- Gingivitis
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Poor oral health hygiene and habits
- Hormonal changes like those linked with pregnancy and menopause
- Use of recreational drugs like marijuana or vaping
- Obesity
- Due to medicines that cause dry mouth or gum changes
- Conditions that reduce low immunity, like leukemia and cancer treatment
- Certain diseases like diabetes and Crohn’s disease
How Can You Prevent Severe Gum Disease?
Gingivitis can largely be prevented and treated with self-care and professional cleaning. A dental care provider can also manage more severe forms of gum infection and recommend consulting with a periodontist. To help you manage gum infection, it is crucial to
- Brush twice daily and floss daily to remove the accumulated plaque and debris.
- Have a dental check-up at least once a year.
- Get regular professional cleaning.
- As the dental practitioner recommends, have a dental check-up at least once a year.
How Can You Treat Gingivitis?
Treating severe gum infection aims to control problems and restore healthy teeth and gums. Your periodontist will thoroughly clean the teeth to remove harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Some of the additional treatment options include-
Scaling and Root Planing: This treatment is akin to a standard dental cleaning but delves deeper under your gums. Scaling eliminates tartar and harmful bacteria while planing refines the surfaces of your tooth roots to deter bacteria adhesion.
Enhanced Oral Hygiene: A typical dental cleaning generally resolves gingivitis. However, it’s essential to maintain that cleanliness once you get home. You’ll be taught the best techniques for cleaning your teeth and will assist in scheduling follow-up appointments.
Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Using an antimicrobial mouthwash can assist in eradicating bacteria that cause disease.
Dental Restoration: Your dentist may need to repair or remove protruding or improperly fitted crowns, fillings, or bridges. Smoother surfaces are simpler to keep clean.
Start To Take Care of Your Gums Now
Managing gum infection is not a problem with Dr. Chris A Mott, D.D.S. Our clinic has a specialized dental team who treats gingival infection from the roots, giving you a healthy smile. Visit our office and discuss your problems with our periodontist. We provide customized dental treatments tailored to your needs. Book an appointment for further discussion.