Gum disease affects many patients and the early signs can be hard to detect. Consistent dental check-ups allow our dental team to catch signs of gum disease in the earliest stages so that treatment can be most effective. If you have signs of gum disease in Omaha, NE, call our team to schedule your visit today!
Signs of Gum Disease
The first sign of gum disease is red, swollen gums. As gum disease worsens, the signs become easier to detect. Signs of gum disease may include any of the following:
- Bad breath
- Toothache
- Bright red gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth or tooth loss
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection in the gums that can affect the health of the gums, the jaw bone and the teeth. The infection forms between the gums and the teeth, causing the teeth to pull away from the gumline. The beginning stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. During this stage, symptoms are mild and may be unnoticed. As gum disease worsens, it can lead to periodontitis. In this stage of gum disease, teeth may become loose and supporting structures deteriorate, leading to eventual tooth loss. Advanced stages of gum disease are not curable and can only be maintained with routine maintenance visits.
Scaling & Root Planing
There are several treatment options for gum disease depending on the severity of the gum infection. Your dentist can help determine the best way to reverse the symptoms of your gum disease. For those with gingivitis or who need routine maintenance, scaling and root planing is one possible treatment that helps treat the infection below and above the gumline. This is a non-surgical treatment that can be performed in-office. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the pockets of the gums and planing smooths the tooth roots and encourages the gums to reattach to the teeth. If you are in need of gum disease treatment, let our team examine your smile and give you the best recommendations to improve your oral health and properly care for your smile.
