Gum Disease Owings Mills, MD

Gum disease is often referred to as a “silent disease.” Many patients do seek treatment for gum disease until they are already showing signs that indicate the advancement of the disease such as bleeding gums. Some patients may not notice any pain or obvious symptoms until the condition has progressed. Comprehensive dental services are available to diagnose and treat gum disease before it leads to more serious complications. Our practice offers periodontal services for patients with gum disease.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the initial stage of periodontal disease. This oral disease is an inflammatory condition that affects the gums surrounding the teeth. Common signs of gingivitis is inflammation and swelling of the gum tissues. You will also have red, irritated gums that tender and may even bleed when you floss or brush.

The main cause of gingivitis is usually from the plaque building up. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that is always building up in our mouths. If you do not remove it with regular brushing, plaque accumulates on the teeth and along the gum line.

Your dentist can reverse gingivitis. However, it is crucial to address it right away as soon as you notice symptoms. Gum disease will progress and gingivitis can develop into a more severe form of periodontal disease. Neglecting gingivitis can lead to the breakdown of the gum tissue, potentially resulting in the formation of periodontal pockets, bone loss, and, ultimately, tooth loss.

The Progression of Gingivitis to Periodontitis

Gingivitis is a progressive oral disease. If you fail to seek treatment right away, it will progress into periodontitis. This oral disease is a more severe form of gum disease.

The transition from gingivitis occurs when the inflammation spreads from the gums to the bone and connective tissues. These are vital parts of your oral structure that support your teeth. As the disease advances, the gums will start to separate from the teeth and form deep pockets that harbor harmful bacteria and debris.

The progression of gingivitis to periodontitis is slow. This process that can take years. However, there are certain things that will help the disease prgress faster, such as:

• Poor oral hygiene practices
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Genetic predisposition
• Compromised immune system

It is vital that you seek treatment from your dentist once you notice signs of periodontitis. Untreated periodontitis further progress, leading to permanent damage such as tooth loss.

Signs of Gum Disease

Knowing the signs and symptoms of gum disease can help patients find treatment before the disease progresses or causes additional damage to the teeth or gums. Routine dental health exams are the most effective way to identify the early signs of gums disease. Our dentists perform a visual screening for periodontal disease during all exams.

If you notice any of the following symptoms or any other changes in your oral health, be sure to contact your dentist right away:

• Red, swollen or sore gums
• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Receding Gumline
• Loose teeth
• Pus between gums and teeth
• Sores in the mouth
• Halitosis
• Changes in the bite or fit of a denture

What are the Risk Factors of Gum Disease?

Poor oral hygiene is a major contributing factor in the development of gum disease.  Twice daily brushing and flossing and routine dental health exams are the best ways to prevent gum disease. Other risk factors of gum disease include:

• Smoking or tobacco use of any kind
• Genetics
• Hormonal changes, particularly pregnancy
• Stress
• Missing Teeth
• Usage of certain medications
• Poor nutrition
• Diabetes

Gum Disease Treatment

Treatment of periodontal disease is essential for avoiding more complex dental and systemic concerns. Left untreated, gum disease can cause halitosis, gum recession, and tooth loss. As the disease progresses patients’ oral health begins to deteriorate. Patients with advanced gum disease also experience a higher rate of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and inflammation.

We offer comprehensive periodontal therapy options for treating and reversing the early stages of gum disease. If caught early,  the dentist is able to reverse gingivitis with a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums. In more advanced cases, a scaling and root planing treatment may be required.

Scaling and root planing is an intensive cleaning treatment. Your dentist will perform a deep cleaning of the gums and teeth. This method of cleaning reaches into the pockets of the gums to remove bacterial build-up. Once the gums are cleared of bacteria, they are given the chance to heal. The doctor may make personalized recommendations for anti-bacterial mouth rinses and other products to help keep oral bacteria in check.

Our priority is to ensure that our patients are able to restore their optimal oral health. We will make every effort to coordinate with specialists that will provide patients with the services they need to fully restore their oral health. Patients with more complex cases of periodontal disease may be referred to Dr. Ed Lazer for advanced periodontal therapy treatments such as gum or bone grafting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gum disease is an infection that affects the gums and bones supporting your teeth. It is vital to understand the signs and symptoms of gum disease so that you can catch it early and prevent further damage. Here, we provide the answer to some of the most common questions about gum disease.

Can children develop gum disease?

Yes. Children with poor oral hygiene or high rates of tooth decay are susceptible to developing gum disease. Patients who develop gum disease in their youth are more prone to oral and systemic disease later in life. Regular visits to our Owings Mills family dentist office can prevent the spread of gum disease in children and help to protect their health long term.

Why are my gums bleeding?

There are a few reasons why you have bleeding gums. However, the most common cause is not brushing or flossing enough. When you fail to care for your teeth and gums properly, plaque will build up and irritate your gums. Sometimes, brushing too hard can also make gums bleed. Other reasons might include lack of certain vitamins, certain medications, or gum disease. If your gums keep bleeding, you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They will check for problems and offer treatment if you need it.

Is gum disease painful?

Yes, gum disease can be painful. Your level of pain and discomfort will depend on the stage of gum disease you have and the severity. If you have gingivitis, the early stage of gum diease, you may not feel any pain at all. However, as gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, your gums may become sore, swollen, and bleed easily. Advanced periodontitis will likely lead to tooth pain, tooth sensitivity, and missing teeth. If you have any signs of gum disease, you need to see your dentist as soon as possible for treatment to prevent pain.

Is gum disease reversible?

If caught early, thorough dental cleanings and improved oral hygiene can prevent further damage from occurring to the teeth and gums. You can manage and treat advanced gum disease and secondary conditions to improve the patient’s oral health.

Can I cure bleeding gums at home?

When caught early, you can treat bleeding gums at home with a saltwater and baking soda rinse, diligent toothbrushing, and more. Although, this will not cure Gingivitis, Periodontitis, or advanced periodontal disease. You will need a dentist to cure your gum disease completely.

Is periodontal disease treatment expensive?

No. Dental insurance usually covers treatments for gum disease, periodontal disease, and bleeding gums. If you do not have dental insurance, we offer affordable dental financing plans so everyone can get the dental treatment they deserve.

How painful is periodontal treatment?

The pain level experienced during and after treatment can vary depending on the extent of the disease and the specific procedure performed. Basic treatments like scaling and root planing may cause mild discomfort or sensitivity. You can manage discomfort and sensitivity with over-the-counter pain relievers. On the other hand, more advanced surgical procedures might cause more discomfort. However, dentists and periodontists use local anesthesia during treatment, which numbs the area and can make the procedure itself pain-free.

How long does periodontal treatment take to heal?

The healing time after periodontal treatment varies based on the procedure and the individual’s overall health. For non-surgical treatments like deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), recovery is usually within a few days. However, there might be some tenderness or minor bleeding.

The initial healing could take a couple of weeks for surgical treatments, such as gum grafts or flap surgery. However, the gums may continue to mature and reshape for several months after surgery. It is important to follow your dentist or endodontist’s post-treatment care instructions and maintain good oral hygiene practices.