If you are experiencing swelling, redness, frequent bad breath, and even receding periodontal tissue, you may be wondering what’s behind these changes to your oral health. The truth is, while it could be a temporary irritation, these symptoms are all warning signs of a more serious condition known as gum disease. Here’s a closer look at this illness, and how your dentist can help treat it.
What Causes Gum Inflammation?
There are many reasons why your periodontal tissue can become inflamed. Sometimes, it’s as simple as brushing and flossing your teeth too vigorously, or the result of medication you’re taking. But often, it’s the result of something far more serious: gum disease.
Gum disease, or periodontitis is a condition that develops when harmful oral bacteria infiltrate the soft tissue, causing swelling and redness. If left untreated, it can eventually cause the ligaments of the teeth to deteriorate and the gums to recede around them, allowing even more damage to occur. In fact, if not addressed, it could eventually lead to permanent tooth and bone loss!
How Can My Dentist Treat Swollen Gums?
Known as gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease is often reversible by improving your at-home oral hygiene routine. This means brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and avoiding harmful oral habits like smoking. However, once it has advanced to periodontitis, there is no reversing the condition without help from your dentist. Solutions for treatment include:
- Deep cleaning (also known as scaling and root planing) eliminates dangerous deposits of plaque from above and below the gumline and then smooths the roots of the teeth so the gums can reattach and protect them from harm.
- Antibiotic treatment, which kills the dangerous oral bacteria colonizing in your gums.
- Pocket irrigation, to clean the gingival pockets where bacteria can hide and wreak havoc on your smile.
- Laser periodontal treatment, this procedure uses a soft-tissue laser to vaporize diseased gum tissue and permanently eliminate infection.
While the exact treatment your dentist uses will depend on the severity of your gum disease, you can rest assured that one or more of these treatments can eliminate the harmful oral bacteria causing chaos in your smile and protect your teeth and gums from further damage.
Remember, while there are many reasons for your gums may be red and swollen, if the root cause is gum disease, your dentist is here to help. Don’t let these uncomfortable symptoms prevent you from having a healthy, beautiful smile. Speak to your dentist about gum disease treatment today.
About Dr. Shekhadiya
Dr. Rajiv Shekhadiya earned his first dental degree from the Government Dental College and Hospital in Ahmedabad, India and his DDS degree from New York University. Since graduating, he has strived to expand his dental knowledge with continuing education courses in IV sedation, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and oral surgery. He is a proud, active member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Dallas County Dental Society. To schedule an appointment for gum disease therapy at Celebration Family Dental of Carrollton, visit our website or call us today at 469-694-3766.