What's the biggest threat to your smile? Is it oral trauma? What about tooth decay--can it destroy your teeth? Truly, both problems lead to tooth loss, but many people never consider how dangerous gum disease is to their smiles and their overall health. At Caring Family Dentistry in Lincoln, NE, your dentist, Dr. Thomas Blankenau, and his team diligently search for gum disease and treat it effectively. Learn the details of this worrisome condition and the therapy used to eliminate it.

What is gum disease?

In its mildest form, it's called gingivitis, and it may go unnoticed except for a little bleeding after brushing. In it's most severe form, periodontitis, patients show symptoms of:

• Loose and shifting teeth
• Changes in dental bite
• Red, swollen, bleeding gums
• Pus at the gum line
• Halitosis (persistent bad breath)
• Gum and bone recession
• A "long tooth" appearance
• Deep pockets (> 3mm) between the gums and teeth

Besides the obvious oral problems, including tooth loss, the infection and inflammation of periodontitis spread systemically, says the American Academy of Periodontology. Often, patients with advanced gum disease also have health problems such as arthritis, dementia, heart disease, and liver or kidney dysfunction. Genetics, tobacco usage (both cigarettes and smokeless tobacco), excessive alcohol usage, and poor oral hygiene habits contribute to all forms of gum disease.

Behind this insidious problem is oral bacteria. It collects in plaque and tartar--food residues--between teeth and under the gums. Left to their own devices, these bacteria multiply and lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Treating gum disease

Healing gingivitis is sometimes as simple as a routine hygienic cleaning. Your Lincoln dentist and hygienist also may advise mouth rinses, anti-plaque  toothpastes

, and special flossing methods to help keep your gums healthy.

However, when gum disease progresses, you may need additional treatments such as a deep cleaning called root planing. Done with the benefit of local anesthetic, this procedure cleans the plaque and tartar accumulated well below the gum line. Antibiotics help heal the infection and encourage the gums to re-attach to the teeth.

In more severe cases, a patient may need gum grafting surgery to cover exposed tooth roots and bone. Dr. Blankenau will help you determine your best course of at-home and in-office therapies.

Are your gums healthy?

Find out with a complete oral examination at Caring Family Dentistry in Lincoln, NE. Dr. Blankenau and his dedicated staff will work to keep your gums healthy and your smile strong and long-lasting. Call today for your appointment: (402) 423-9344.