Treatment for Gum Disease

The gums are vital for supporting the teeth. Gum or periodontal disease is a common oral condition that affects gum health and can lead to tooth loss. An estimated 50% of adults over the age of 30 have some level of periodontal disease – this percentage increases with age. The good news is there are effective treatments for gum disease, especially when addressed in the early stages. Liberty Lake Smile Source offers advanced treatment for gum disease at our dental center in Spokane Valley, WA.

Treatment for gum disease involves removing the source of gum infection and restoring healthy gum tissues. Periodontal disease has various stages, from preliminary gingivitis to different levels of periodontitis. In the early stages, gum disease can be effectively stopped and sometimes reversed. Treatment begins with deep cleanings of the teeth to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and roots, as well as medications to control infection. Advanced treatments may include removing gum tissue and other forms of oral surgery.

Symptoms and Causes of Periodontal Disease

Gum disease has many contributing factors, from genetics to health conditions, but the main cause is a bacterial infection. When food and debris are left on and between the teeth, bacteria flourish and plaque forms on the teeth. Over time, plaque can harden into tartar, which can hide bacteria and irritate the gum tissue. Gum disease occurs when the gum tissue is infected from the bacteria, causing a variety of symptoms including:

• Receding gums
• Swollen, tender and bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Bone loss

Daily oral hygiene to brush and floss away food particles and plaque are vital for preventing gum disease. Routine teeth cleanings at your dentist are also important to remove any tartar in hard-to-reach places. Once you have gum disease, it can be effectively treated with deep and frequent cleanings and other therapies.

If you have symptoms of gum disease, treatment is available to restore your oral health. Contact our team at Liberty Lake Smile Source to schedule an exam and cleaning at our dental center in Spokane Valley. We welcome patients from throughout the Spokane and Post Falls, ID, area. Call today to book your appointment, and put a stop to the damage of periodontal disease.