Are you worried about periodontal disease? If you are brushing after meals and before bed, and flossing at least daily, then you are doing a lot to prevent periodontal disease. If you aren’t practicing excellent oral hygiene, then you are at risk of developing periodontal disease. Dr. Thomas G. Blankenau at Caring Family Dentistry in Lincoln, Nebraska offers a wide range of dental services, including periodontal therapy, to help you and your smile.
It all starts out with plaque, which contains bacteria which produce toxins. These toxins infect and inflame your gums. Some of the signs and symptoms of gum disease include:
- Gums that are red and irritated
- Gums that hurt when you brush, floss, or eat
- Frequent bad breath and a sour taste in your mouth
- Gums that bleed when you brush and floss
- Gums that are puffy, swollen, and have lost their normal contours
If you have any of the signs and symptoms listed above, you need to start practicing excellent oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist and dental hygienist regularly for dental exams and professional cleanings. Gum disease can be reversed, but you have to take action.
If gum disease goes untreated, it can develop into periodontal disease. You may notice some of these signs and symptoms:
- Gums that are receding, causing exposed root surfaces
- Elongated teeth because of increasing root exposure
- Sensitive teeth due to increased root exposure
- Gaps or spaces beginning to appear between your teeth
- Teeth that feel loose and a bite that feels different
If you have periodontal disease, there are effective treatments to manage your disease. Your dentist may recommend:
- Scaling and root planing to clean root surfaces and promote a healthy tissue-to-tooth attachment
- Supportive periodontal therapy which includes more frequent deep cleanings to keep your disease stable
- Gum surgery to reduce soft tissue pockets around your teeth and make your mouth easier to clean with flossing and brushing
Don’t let periodontal disease take over your smile. Instead, call Dr. Thomas Blankenau at Caring Family Dentistry in Lincoln, Nebraska today at (402) 423-9344.