Gum disease treatment is a restorative dental treatment we offer at Bozeman Dentistry. During regular checkups, our dentists often spot signs of gum disease treatments that need immediate treatment.
Some other patients come in with minor or major symptoms of gum disease, such as a toothache or tooth sensitivity. Learn more about the scope of gum disease and how Dr. McCormick and our skilled dental hygienists can help out.
Problems Caused By Periodontal Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, can cause serious oral problems like tooth loss, and receding gums. It can also cause chronic bad breath and lower self-confidence and has been linked to serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, and respiratory disease.
Gum disease afflicts more than eighty percent of Americans, but the symptoms can sometimes be so mild that patients don’t even realize that they have it until the problem becomes severe.
Gingivitis and Periodontitis: What’s The Difference?
When you arrive with gum disease symptoms, Dr. McCormick will first examine your teeth to determine whether the disease is considered gingivitis or periodontitis. Here’s what the difference is and why it matters.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a minor form of gum disease. Chances are, if you have been unable to care for your teeth for a long period of time and they start to bleed when you brush them—you have traces of gingivitis. Luckily enough, gingivitis is easier to treat and often only takes a single non-surgical procedure to eliminate.
Periodontitis
Patients come into our office with more drastic symptoms such as severely swollen gums or even broken teeth. These cases are usually classified as periodontal disease or periodontitis. Periodontitis often requires root canal therapy and other prosthetics as well, depending on the symptom’s scope.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
If you are experiencing the following, it could be a sign that you require periodontal disease treatment:
- Red, swollen gums that are tender and bleed easily
- Gums that feel and look like they are receding from your teeth
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Permanent teeth that feel loose or like they are separating
- Pus between your teeth and gumlines
The earlier gum disease is detected, the easier it is to treat. At each checkup in Bozeman, Dr. McCormick and his staff will check your mouth thoroughly for signs of gum disease.
Bad Breath? It Might Be Gum Disease
Some patients end up with chronic bad breath that won’t seem to go away, despite one’s best efforts. Once usual solutions such as through cleanings and mouthwash are used, Dr. McCormick may check your teeth for signs of gum disease.
Gum disease at any stage often leads to bad breath. This symptom stems from the dirt and plaque that is built up to cause the disease in the first place. Bozeman Dentistry can clear up these concerns through a thorough gum analysis. We will secure any vulnerable areas to prevent the risk of further infection and reduce the inconvenience of bad breath.
Periodontal Disease Is Common But Treatable
If you are one out of the eighty percent of Americans currently suffering from gum disease, don’t lose hope. At Bozeman Dentistry, we offer state-of-the-art gum disease treatment to our patients, to reduce bacteria and to help your mouth heal. We provide our patients with the treatment they need to enjoy great oral health again.
Our gum disease treatment is fast and effective. Dr. McCormick is skilled in treating your gums and combating the bacteria that contribute to gum disease with cutting-edge equipment and a gentle touch. Even if you’ve suffered from gum disease for a while, Dr. McCormick can work with you to improve your gums and get your oral health back to its regular high standard.
Preventing Gum Disease
Proper dental care can best be achieved when the patient and the dentist work together as a team. Here are some ways that you can help reduce the risk of gum disease:
- Rinse after meals: Rinsing your mouth out with water after meals can help reduce the daily impact on your teeth, which reduces the risk of gum disease.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking can easily eat away and weaken vulnerable areas of your gums. Do your best to avoid this habit altogether to minimize dental damage.
- Don’t forget mouthwash: It’s easy to forget about mouthwash in your daily dental regimen. Mouthwash can add an extra barrier to your teeth and gums.
Don’t Let Gum Disease Hold You Back
To find out more about our gum disease treatment for patients in the Bozeman–Belgrade MT area, and to schedule an appointment for a regular checkup, contact our office today. We would be happy to answer any questions you might have about periodontal disease.