Without proper oral care, gums can start to accumulate tartar, plaque and debris. When this happens, the gums can become inflamed. This disease, called leesburg gum disease, can severely damage the gums over time, and can even affect the bone supporting your teeth. Going untreated for too long, gum disease can lead to more severe issues with the gums and teeth. Eventually, this may lead to teeth becoming loose or falling out.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

It’s extremely important to look for the symptoms of gum disease to get the gum disease treatment needed to save your gums and teeth. Some of the symptoms of gum disease that you’ll want to look out for are:

• Swollen Gums
• Red Gums
• Irritation of the Gums
• Bleeding Gums
• Pus
• Receding Gum Lines
• Loose Teeth

As the gum disease gets worse, the symptoms will become more severe. Light redness may become frequent bleeding. Gum recession may get to the point where a graft may be required. Worst of all, teeth may become loose and fall out. It’s important to catch the disease early before it becomes more advanced.

What Are Some Gum Disease Treatments?

The treatments for gum disease vary depending on the severity of the disease’s progression. If gum disease is still in its earlier stages, a scaling and root planing (also known as a deep cleaning) may be the only gum disease treatment required. This process involves the dentist cleaning at and below the gum line to remove tarter, plaque and debris. If the disease is more advanced, though, a specialist may be required to perform surgery.

The surgery allows the dentist to reach areas under the gum line that are much more difficult to reach. This will help to repair damage and regenerate bone tissue. If the disease is bad enough, there is a likelihood that the gums have begun to recede. With minor gum disease, a deep cleaning will stop the recession and a graft will not be needed. If the damage to the gum line is too severe, though, the gums will need to be restored with a graft.

For the least invasive treatment possible, it’s important to catch the gum disease as early as you can.

When to Visit Your Dentist

If you have bleeding, swollen or discolored gums, or you notice your gums beginning to recede, a trip to the dentist is necessary to treat what may be gum disease. Keep in mind that the earlier you catch the disease, the easier the treatment will be. It’s also extremely important to visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. It is during this checkup that the dentist will look for signs of gum disease. If they notice gum disease, they can then put together a treatment plan.

Don’t wait until your next checkup if you notice the symptoms of gum disease. Set an appointment with your dentist to begin treatment as soon as you can.

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