The gums are supportive structures in the mouth; keeping the gums healthy prevents future dental problems. Keeping the gums healthy is integral to good oral health. At Advanced Total Dental Care, Dr. David Rever loves educating his patients on gum health and treating their issues. Dr. Rever keeps patients healthy with general dentistry services and periodontal therapy in Silver Spring, MD.
Poor oral health habits can contribute to gum disease. Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a progressive bacterial infection that affects the surrounding tissue. Regular dental checkups are necessary because gum disease can also cause issues in other parts of the body. If you have gum disease, you can receive professional treatment and preserve your oral health with the proper care and maintenance.
Common Symptoms of Gum Disease
If you notice any changes in your oral health, you must visit a dentist. Signs of gum disease to look out for include:
- Bleeding gums during and after brushing and flossing
- Persistent bad breath and bad taste in your mouth
- Gaps between teeth
- Gum sensitivity to temperature
- Swollen, red, tender and sore gums
- Receding gums making teeth appear longer
- Changes in the fit of dentures or other dental appliances
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
- Shifting teeth
Some factors can also increase your risk of developing gum problems. Some factors include:
- Diabetes: High blood sugar affects the mouth by increasing sugar in the saliva around the teeth and gums. Harmful bacteria feed on sugars left in the mouth. This means diabetic dental patients with high blood pressure may encounter gum problems. Harmful bacteria feed on sugars in the mouth, creating plaque, which irritates and inflames gum tissue.
- Pregnancy or Hormonal Changes: Changes in the hormone progesterone may lead to bleeding gums in pregnant patients. Progesterone increases blood flow to the gums, which in turn increases gum sensitivity. Highly sensitive gums can bleed and create gum pain. Routine treatments like dental cleanings are safe for pregnant women and prevent bleeding gums from turning into gum disease.
- Smoking or Tobacco Use: Smoking, vaping, and using other tobacco products that contain nicotine often lead to bleeding gums. Nicotine decreases blood flow to the gums. Too much blood flow increases gum sensitivity, while insufficient blood flow to the gums makes it hard for the body to fight disease.
Other factors include poor oral hygiene habits, genetics, certain medications, chronic stress, and conditions that weaken your immune system. Please visit the dentist if you are at risk of developing gum disease. Early intervention can prevent the need for complex dental care down the road.
Gum Disease and Heart Health
Periodontitis allows harmful bacteria to break down the supportive gum tissue and bone. The bacteria inflames and irritates the gums. However, harmful bacteria does not stay in one place. Bacteria can travel through the bloodstream, posing a problem for other body parts.
Patients who already have heart problems are at risk of complications if they develop gum disease. As inflammation enters the bloodstream, it can trigger inflammation in the heart. Inflammation from gum disease can lead to atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries.
Patients can experience increases in heart problems, including strokes, heart disease, and heart attacks. This is another reason oral health care is crucial for patients with medical conditions.
Gum Disease Treatment in Silver Spring, MD
Dr. Rever will assess your gums and determine the best treatment for your oral health needs. Our Silver Spring, MD, dentist only uses advanced technology and high-quality materials when diagnosing and treating gum disease. Additionally, Dr. Rever will review proper brushing and flossing techniques with you. An educated patient can easily lower their risk of developing gum disease.
Dr. Rever may suggest periodontal therapy to restore teeth when gum disease arises. Without treatment, gum disease can spread to the bone that supports teeth. In some cases, gum disease can also cause tooth loss. Dr. Rever, a skilled dentist with the training to treat gum disease, offers both surgical and non-surgical solutions.
Periodontal Therapy in Silver Spring, MD
Our office provides modern treatments to address gum disease and gum aesthetics. Periodontal disease treatments include:
- Scaling and Root Planing: We use scaling and root planing treatment to address gum disease. When we scale the gums, we skillfully remove plaque and tartar from underneath the gum tissue. Then, we move to the tooth roots, removing bacterial buildup to help them reattach to the gums. Our office uses ultrasonic dental instruments and hand scalers for these treatments for comfortable and efficient care.
- Gum Grafting: You may require gum grafting if you have advanced gum disease. During this treatment, we take gum tissue from a healthier part of your gums and implant it where necessary. Gum grafting can treat deep gum pockets, a sign of gum recession.
- Periodontal Plastic Surgery: This reshaping procedure changes the appearance of the gum tissue. Patients with gummy smiles and gum recession benefit from periodontal plastic surgery. We can treat also treat an uneven gum line and exposed tooth roots with this surgery.
- Periodontal Laser Treatment: We may use an advanced dental laser to remove diseased gum tissue. Dental lasers use a concentrated beam of light and heat to cut the mouth’s soft tissues. This treatment offers patients less discomfort and gum shrinkage than traditional gum surgery.
- Crown Lengthening Surgery: This procedure removes gum tissue to increase the length of the teeth. We may perform this surgery for cosmetic reasons or to secure a dental crown. Patients often need more of their tooth structure to receive effective restorative care.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration: A dental procedure that promotes bone and tissue growth around affected teeth. In this procedure, the dentist places a barrier membrane between the gum tissue and the tooth root. The barrier prevents the growth of unwanted tissue and allows healthy bone and tissue to regrow.
- Pocket Reduction Surgery: Also known as flap surgery or osseous surgery. During this surgical procedure, the dentist folds back gum tissue to remove the tartar and plaque buildup from deep pockets. Then he repositions the gum tissue and sutures it in place to reduce the size of the pockets and prevent further bacteria buildup. This surgery helps to promote healing and prevent the progression of gum disease.
Post-op Instructions for Gum Treatment
After your gum treatment, you may feel gum sensitivity and irritation. This is particularly true if you experience gum disease. Following these tips can help ensure gums heal comfortably:
- Eat soft foods directly after treatment
- Avoid hot and spicy foods
- Gently clean your teeth and gums
- Take pain medication
- Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking
Bleeding after periodontal cleanings is normal. Bleeding should stop within one day. If bleeding persists, please get in touch with our dental office.
Renew Your Gum Health
Dr. Rever welcomes new patients with gum disease, bleeding gums issues, and those that need periodontal therapy in Silver Spring, MD. We provide dental care to many communities near you, including Burtonsville, Laurel, Columbia, and Laytonsville, MD. Contact our office at (301) 637-0960 to schedule an appointment. You may also request a dental exam visit online today.