By and large, minor problems don’t simply “take care of themselves.” This is especially true when it comes to the bacteria and plaque on teeth and gums that can lead to gum disease.
What Is Gum Disease?
Simply, gum disease is what happens when plaque, which is a combination of everyday bacteria, food particles, and saliva buildup on the surfaces of teeth and gums, is left to fester through some combination of poor dental hygiene (not regularly and properly brushing and flossing between teeth) and infrequent visits to the dentist. The first manifestation of gum disease is typically a condition called “gingivitis.”
Gingivitis is a fairly mild form of periodontitis (or gum disease) that usually affects the gums and the supporting tissues around the teeth. Gingivitis typically affects people who don't practice proper oral hygiene and allow for the buildup of plaque on their teeth and gums. Initially, gingivitis causes irritation and inflammation of the gums, which can result in bad breath, swelling, tenderness, and bleeding.
Left untreated, the plaque that causes gingivitis hardens and becomes tartar. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed from teeth and gums using in-home dental care and must be treated by a dentist. Tartar left untreated can lead to more serious forms of gum disease, which can result in infections in the gums and the eventual loosening and loss of teeth.
Popular and Effective Gum Disease Treatments
Fortunately for people suffering from gum disease, there are several popular and effective gum disease treatments, including:
- Scaling and root planing – a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums
- Antibiotics – oral or topical antibiotics that can help eliminate bacteria and reduce inflammation in the gums
- Laser therapy – a minimally invasive treatment that uses a laser to remove infected gum tissue
- Surgery – In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue and restore gum health.
Gum Disease Treatment in Philadelphia
If you’d like to learn more about gum disease treatment options in northeast Philadelphia, contact dentist Dr. Lee Schriftman and the team at The Philadelphia Dentist to schedule a consultation appointment.