Gum Disease Treatment in Bellefonte, PA
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is something that more than half of Americans over the age of 30 suffer from each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gum disease is an infection in the gums due to poor oral hygiene.
While it is extremely common, it can have some very serious consequences if left untreated. It’s important to understand the stages of gum disease and what you need to do to treat it.
Gum Disease Explained
Due to poor oral hygiene, your mouth is left with excessive plaque and it begins to attach to your mouth’s soft tissue, including your gums. There are varying stages of gum disease, each one requiring different treatments.
Stage 1 Gingivitis: The early stage of gum disease is what is commonly known as gingivitis. This is where the gums become swollen and red because the body is reacting to the infection.
Stage 2 Periodontitis: The next stage of gum disease is periodontal disease, or more commonly known as periodontitis. This is when the plaque actually spreads below the gum line and the gums start pulling away from the teeth. The gums start to weaken and the teeth may become lose or fall out.
Stage 3 Chronic Periodontitis: This is the most advanced stage of gum disease. It has all the symptoms of the previous two stages, but also includes bone loss. People in this stage are typically affected by other factors such as genetics, smoking, diet, and certain medications.
The most common signs of gum disease include red, swollen, bleeding gums. Other signs include bad breath, puss in between teeth, pain when chewing, and loose teeth.
Gum Disease Treatment
If caught early enough, treatment can be successful. During the gingivitis stage, good oral home care can be effective.
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If it’s not too late, we can also try some other treatments, such as a professional dental cleaning or scaling and root planing, which require the use of local anesthetic. This is when we will try to remove the plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line through scraping techniques.
However, if not treated soon enough, the only option available may be the removal of teeth. We can assist with teeth removal, as well as other options for replacing teeth.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
The sooner you treat gum disease, the better the results will be. If you think you may be suffering from gum disease please schedule an appointment with us today. We’re conveniently located near downtown Bellefonte and we can help you get back on the path of good oral health.
Schedule an appointment at Eagle Valley Family Dentistry by calling us at (814) 473-5554 or use the form below.