Gingivitis/Gum Disease Treatment in Fredericksburg

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in Americans older than 35. It is important to know which of the three stages of gum disease a patient is experiencing to provide the proper care and attention. The three stages are: 

1. Gingivitis: This is the first stage of this disease and the only stage at which there is a gum disease cure. Any damage done can be reversed, and the disease can be stopped as long as good oral hygiene is maintained. However, at this stage, you may have no gingivitis symptoms, so be sure to schedule your regular dental exam and cleaning to catch problems early.
2. Periodontitis: This is the second stage of gum disease, and any damage done is irreversible. The disease progression can be halted as long as good oral hygiene is maintained. However, there is no gingivitis cure once you have reached this stage of the disease. Periodontal pockets at your gum line will trap more bacteria and food particles, accelerating the progression of your gum disease, and your treatments will need to be more aggressive to remove harmful bacteria. 
3. Advanced periodontitis: This is the final stage of gum disease. At this point, any and all damage is irreversible, and usually, corrective surgery is required to restore the appearance and function of the teeth and gums. At this point, you'll likely have lost some or all of your teeth, and your bone structure will have deteriorated. All these deleterious conditions can be avoided by maintaining good oral hygiene practices. 

What Causes Gingivitis?

Poor oral hygiene is the primary cause of gingivitis. When you don't brush and floss after each meal, food particles and bacteria can build up around and between the teeth, especially the back teeth, and decay or infection can start. Brushing and flossing can remove the bacteria and food detritus and delay the onset of decay or infection.

When bacteria and food particles aren't removed, plaque will start to form. Plaque is a very hard substance that can only be removed by a dentist. If left untreated, it can turn into tartar, which causes inflammation and irritates your gums. When tartar isn't removed, you'll progress to the final stage of advanced periodontitis. By this time, you'll likely have no teeth, and your facial structure will be misshapen.

What Are the Gum Disease Symptoms?

Gum disease often presents asymptomatically. That is, you may not have any gum disease symptoms until the disease has been present for a while. However, if you notice any of the following gingivitis symptoms, you may be in the early stage of gingivitis: 

1. Red, sensitive, or swollen gums
2. Odd taste in your mouth or bad breath
3. Bleeding during brushing or flossing

If you notice any of the above signs of gingivitis, call VA Smiles North Fredericksburg for an appointment. Don't procrastinate with gum disease. It will only worsen. Reversing gum disease is only possible with proactive involvement.

What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?

If you think you have gum disease, the signs to look for include: 

1. Eroding gums
2. Loose teeth or unusual gaps between teeth
3. Pockets of pus between your teeth and gums
4. Inflammation at the base of your gums
5. Swollen, inflamed gums

The presence of any or all of the above can indicate the need for a gum disease treatment, so call our Fredericksburg office to schedule a gingivitis cure.

What Are the Gum Disease Stages?

There are three stages of gum disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Only during the initial stage is there a gingivitis cure and early detection of this disease provides the best prognosis. Our skilled dentists can detect the presence of gum disease in your teeth and gums, so call us to schedule a gingivitis treatment.

What's Involved in the Gingivitis Cure?

The best cure for gingivitis is prevention and a good oral hygiene regimen. Brush and floss after each meal, and schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups. An annual cleaning and checkup is good; a biannual one is better. If you are experiencing any signs of gingivitis, don't delay in calling VA Smiles North Fredericksburg to schedule a gingivitis treatment.

What's the Treatment for Advanced Periodontitis?

If conservative treatment methods have been unsuccessful in treating your advanced periodontal disease, your dentist may pursue more aggressive measures, including root planing, professional scaling, antibiotics, and antibacterial mouthwash. You may also be referred to a gum specialist, called a periodontist. On rare occasions, gum surgery may be necessary. However, it's essential that you obtain professional treatment for gum disease in Fredericksburg before your condition worsens. Call (540) 642-0401 today to get started on your treatment.

How Do I Reverse My Gum Disease?

Although some patients have been successful in reversing gum disease, the prognosis is much better when they maintain good oral hygiene habits, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental exams and cleanings. Our skilled dentists can help you fight this disease and maintain your beautiful smile. Call VA Smiles North Fredericksburg at (540) 642-0401 today to schedule an appointment, even if you currently have no gingivitis symptoms. If you have signs of gingivitis, we can recommend a gingivitis treatment that can restore your good oral health.