At Annapolis Center For Dental Health & Wellness, we are here to help you improve and maintain your dental health so that you can enjoy a healthy smile for many years to come. A common dental concern that we see in our Annapolis, MD dentist office is gum disease progression. Gum disease occurs when your gums become infected or inflamed due to plaque or tartar buildup. Dr. Sheen, your Annapolis dentist, answers frequently asked questions about gum disease below.
What is gingivitis?
Bleeding gums, also known as gingivitis, is the first stage of gum disease progression. If you’ve noticed any blood in the sink following brushing or flossing your teeth, this is a sign that you have gingivitis. Essentially, what this means is that your gums are suffering from mild irritation caused by plaque or tartar development. Gingivitis is reversible with proper oral hygiene care or a professional dental cleaning from your local dentist’s office.
What are the symptoms of advanced gum disease?
Beyond bleeding gums, patients will experience a wide range of symptoms that worsen over time the longer your gum disease goes untreated. Symptoms include tender gums, discolored gums, loose teeth, gum recession, bad breath, increased sensitivity, and eventually tooth loss. It’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible if you notice signs of gum disease progression. Our goal is to help patients avoid tooth loss by treating their gum disease promptly.
What are my treatment options for advanced gum disease?
Dr. Sheen offers periodontal therapy in his Annapolis dentist’s office. Depending on how far along your gum disease has progressed, Dr. Sheen will recommend which treatment option is best for your case. Treatment options may include laser-assisted treatment, scaling and root planing, or antibacterial rinses. The goal of periodontal therapy is to not only remove the buildup surrounding your gum line but also gently remove tartar and unhealthy tissue beneath the gum line causing the infection.
How can I prevent gum disease progression?
The best way to prevent gum disease is to practice a strict at-home oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Additionally, we recommend patients visit our Annapolis dentist office once every six months for a routine dental exam and cleaning. The dental cleaning will allow us to remove any buildup surrounding your gums before it has the chance to develop into advanced gum disease.
If you are looking for an Annapolis dentist, we hope you will consider Dr. Sheen. He has the training and expertise needed to effectively treat your gum disease and restore your gum health. Please schedule an appointment online, and we look forward to seeing you soon.