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 Liberty Lake, 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 & 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.

Receding Gum Treatment

The gums are designed to cover the roots of the teeth and provide nourishment and support. When the gum tissue recedes away from the teeth, it leaves pockets that can hide detrimental bacteria. Receding gums is a sign of gingivitis or gum disease, a serious oral health condition that can impact your teeth and overall health. If you have receding, bleeding or swollen gums, it is vital to pursue general dental treatment. Liberty Lake Smile Source offers effective bleeding or receding gum treatment at our dental center in Liberty Lake, WA.

What Causes Gum Tissue To Recede? 

In most cases, it is plaque and tartar on the teeth that irritates the gums, causing it to shrink away from the teeth. The bacteria in the plaque and tartar can cause a breakdown of the gum tissue, resulting in pockets and space around the roots of the teeth. The bacteria cause the gum tissue to become swollen and inflamed, making it bleed easier. The recession of gum tissue is an autoimmune response to protect the tissue, but it can lead to reduced tooth support and increased pockets around the teeth where bacteria can flourish.

Relief For Bleeding Or Swollen Gums

If you have receding, bleeding or swollen gums, it likely did not occur overnight. Gingivitis or periodontal disease are progressive diseases that usually are caused by poor oral hygiene or improper brushing/flossing over many months and years. To get relief for receding, bleeding or swollen gums, thorough teeth cleaning is needed. Removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and maintaining clean teeth with daily brushing and flossing can restore gum health.

For those with gum disease, treatment may include deeper and more frequent dental cleanings. Some patients may need medications or more advanced periodontal treatment to slow or stop gum deterioration.

If you have noticed receding, swollen or bleeding gums, it is time to schedule a cleaning and checkup. Most people should have cleanings every six months or less to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Contact our office in Liberty Lake, WA, to book your checkups and cleaning at our dental center.