Gum Treatment in Wayzata, MN

What’s Periodontal Disease?

Commonly referred to as gum disease, periodontal disease is the more advanced stage of gingivitis. It begins as inflammation of the gums, and in its later stages, gum disease can cause you to lose your teeth if it’s not treated. Gingivitis treatment can completely cure the disease when caught before it progresses to periodontal disease. By aggressively treating gum disease in Wayzata at our office, our dentists can prevent your gingival disease from destroying your teeth and your oral health.

What Conditions Cause Gingivitis?

Although there can be other causes, most people develop gingivitis because they have poor oral hygiene habits. Inadequate brushing and flossing can let plaque build up on your teeth and start inflammation and decay, which are early gum disease symptoms. After you eat or drink, particularly items that are high in sugar and carbohydrates, a sticky, bacteria-laden substance remains on your teeth. When not removed through brushing and flossing, it begins to attack your gums and tooth enamel. Flossing at least once daily and brushing at least twice daily can remove residual bacteria before it has the opportunity to damage your oral health. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in Americans who are older than 35, but this is a completely avoidable statistic. Reversing gum disease is relatively simple when the disease is caught in the initial stage.

What Are the Most Common Gingivitis Symptoms?

Gum disease can present asymptomatically, or you may notice some or all of the following gum disease symptoms:

• Red, swollen, or sensitive gums
• Unusual taste in your mouth
• Bad breath
• Bleeding during brushing or flossing

Are There Any Obvious Signs of Gingivitis?

If your dentist observes any of the following signs of gingivitis during your exam, they may inform you that you have gum disease:

• Loose teeth
• Receding gums
• Inflamed gums
• Pus between your gums and teeth
• Uneven spacing between your teeth
• Swollen gums

What Are the Stages of Gum Disease?

There are various stages of gum disease, starting with gingivitis and ending with advanced periodontitis.

1. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and when it’s caught at this stage, it’s completely curable. Gingivitis is characterized by slight bleeding when you floss or brush, but there’s not usually any pain. A regimen of good oral hygiene that includes regular dental checkups is the best gingivitis cure.
2. When gingivitis isn’t treated in its early stage, then it will progress to periodontitis. By the time your gum disease reaches this stage, your ligaments and jawbone have suffered permanent damage, and there is no gum disease cure. The pockets that have formed at the base of your teeth will trap bacteria and food residue and accelerate the progression of the disease. At this point, the disease can be stopped, but there is no gingivitis cure once the damage is this severe. You’ll require aggressive treatment methods to forestall additional damage.
3. Advanced periodontitis is the final stage of gum disease, and by this time, the only remedy is reconstructive dentistry, which is painful and time-consuming. By this time, you’ll have destroyed the ligaments that secure your teeth and will have lost most or all of your teeth. Your jawbone will have deteriorated, and you’ll have lost some facial structure. All of this can be prevented by simply brushing and flossing and practicing good oral hygiene.

What’s the Best Gingivitis Cure?

The best gingivitis cure is prevention. By adopting a good oral hygiene program that includes brushing and flossing daily, using an antibacterial mouthwash, and having at least annual cleanings and checkups, you can avoid developing gingivitis. Semi-annual checkups and cleanings are better if that’s an option for you. If you think you may be developing some gingivitis symptoms, or if you have some of the signs of gum disease, then call our Wayzata office to schedule an appointment.

What’s Involved in Advanced Periodontitis and Gingivitis Treatment?

If you have gingivitis that has progressed to a more advanced stage, then you’ll need more advanced treatment. Your dentist will evaluate your teeth and gums to determine the best course of treatment for you. It may include:

• Antibiotics
• Antibacterial mouthwash
• Professional scaling
• Root planing that goes under the gumline

If you have an extreme case, you may need oral surgery and we may refer you to a periodontist. If you have gum disease in Wayzata, then call our office for an appointment. Don’t delay in seeking treatment because gingival disease won’t get better on its own.

What’s Involved in Reversing Gum Disease?

Although you may stop your gum disease from getting worse, if you have signs of gingivitis, the best way to reverse the disease is to seek professional gum disease treatment. Your dentist can provide you with tips for better oral hygiene and will be able to correct hidden issues that can cause problems. If you have early gingivitis symptoms, don’t delay in seeking professional gingivitis treatment. Call our Lake Minnetonka Dental at (952) 388-0287 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to working with you.