Do your gums look red and swollen? Are they prone to bleeding when brushing? If so, you may be in the beginning stages of gum disease. If left untreated, this oral condition can cause irreversible effects, including tooth loss. Here’s what you should know to reduce the risk of serious symptoms and receive prompt treatment. 

What Is Gingivitis?

Plaque is a major contributor to gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of gum disease. While plaque can cause cavities to form, it can also irritate gums, leading to redness and bleeding. Once plaque hardens, it becomes tartar, which requires special tools to remove. 

Lax brushing, flossing, and infrequent visits to the dentist are the primary causes of gingivitis. However, your risk can be increased by hormonal fluctuations, which is why many pregnant women experience an increase in gum disease. The structure of your teeth can also increase risk, as crowding and misalignment make it harder to floss properly. 

What Is Periodontitis?

Once gingivitis has progressed to periodontitis, permanent effects can occur. Continuous irritation of the gums causes the tissue to pull away from the teeth.

This leads to the formation of pockets, which are spaces in gum tissue where plaque and bacteria can easily become trapped. Bone tissue can also be impacted by oral bacteria, eventually leading to tooth loss when the bone breaks down. 

At this point, you’ll need more than optimum oral hygiene to restore your teeth. Your dentist may recommend a scaling and root planing procedure, which involves thoroughly cleaning the teeth under the gums where pockets have formed.

The roots of the teeth will also be smoothed down to prevent bacteria and plaque from accumulating again. In time, the healthy gum tissue and the teeth should once again form a tight bond. 

Whether you’re seeking preventative treatment for gum disease or need help dealing with advanced issues, contact Brian Perelmuter, DMD, P.C., in Naugatuck, CT. This clinic offers non-surgical gum treatments to repair tissue and facilitate healing. Learn more about their dental services online, or schedule an appointment by calling (203) 729-3323.