How Do I Know if I Have Gum Disease?

What do healthy gums look like? Healthy gums appear pink and are firmly attached to your teeth. When your gums bleed during brushing and flossing or when they are red or swollen, you should see a periodontist in Boca Raton for a checkup. 

Several factors can affect your gum health, such as malnutrition, low immunity, tobacco use, and poor oral hygiene. It’s vital to see a periodontist to get a proper diagnosis and get treated before the condition worsens and becomes irreversible.

Do You Have Gum Disease?

If you suspect you have gum disease, we urge you to see a periodontist immediately. When caught early, gum disease may still be reversed. 

What Is Gum Disease?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, periodontal disease or gum disease results from inflammation and infection of your gum tissues and surrounding bone. During the early stages of the disease, your gums will appear red and swollen.  

As the disease advances, your gums gradually pull away from your teeth. Bone loss can also occur. Over time, your teeth will start to loosen and fall out. Tooth decay and periodontal disease pose the biggest threats to dental health. 

What Are the Stages of Gum Disease? 

Gum disease falls under two types, gingivitis and periodontitis. The mildest form of gum disease is gingivitis. When gingivitis is discovered early, it can still be treated and reversed. But, if it is left to advance, it can become incurable.  

Periodontitis is broken down into four stages. The first stage is initial, the second is moderate, the third is severe, with potential tooth loss, and the fourth is severe, with patients potentially losing all of their teeth.  

How Can You Have Healthy Gums Again? 

For mild cases, you can restore your oral health by being consistent with your oral care routine, which means you are expected to brush your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Constant brushing and flossing can reverse gum damage.  

However, if you suffer from serious gum disease, your periodontist will use more sophisticated methods to restore your gums. Examples of treatments that target gum disease are the following:  

• Root scaling and planing – This procedure involves the removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. It differs from routine teeth cleaning since it cleans all the way down to the gum pockets. The procedure is divided into two parts – scaling and root planing. Scaling involves scraping off tartar, while root planing is smoothing out the roots to make it easier for your gums to reattach to your teeth.  
• Gingivectomy – In a gingivectomy procedure, the gum tissues are surgically removed. It is often necessary when your gum tissues have already pulled away from your teeth, and deep gum pockets have formed. The procedure is typically performed before damage is done to the bone supporting the teeth.

Do You Need to See a Periodontist in Boca Raton?

If you show symptoms of gum disease, it would be best to see a periodontist to check your mouth. At 5th Avenue Dental, we offer a wide array of treatments tailored to your needs to help improve your oral health. Our team has years of experience and training to provide the best care. Contact us for a consultation.