Gum Disease Treatment

While gum disease can be caused by a variety of factors, it forms the same way every time. When sugar accumulates on your teeth and leads to plaque, it can seep down into your gum tissue, causing an infection. This infection is known as gum disease, a dental problem that consistently becomes worse until it’s properly treated.

You’ve probably heard the term “gingivitis” and wondered how it relates to gum disease. To understand this, it’s important to know that gum disease progresses through three stages, each with their own characteristics and symptoms.

1. Gingivitis

The initial stage of gum disease is gingivitis. In this stage, the symptoms are fairly mild and include redness and irritation in the gums. Treating gum disease at this stage is easy, and can be done using a scaling and root planing procedure combined with excellent oral care at home.

2. Periodontitis

When gingivitis progresses without treatment, it evolves into a more severe form, known as periodontitis. Symptoms are more severe in this stage, as pockets begin to form throughout your mouth. It’s vital to seek professional dental care if you notice these pockets because periodontitis can lead to permanent damage in your gum tissue.

3. Advanced Periodontitis

Some people neglect their gum disease and allow it to progress into advanced periodontitis. In this stage, the most severe form, permanent damage has been sustained and tooth loss may occur. Treating advanced periodontitis is likely to involve gum grafting and other surgeries, so it’s vital to treat gum disease at its earliest stages.

general dentistry practice w eric martin dds champaign il gum disease infographics

While dental neglect will invariably lead to gum disease, there are a wide range of other causes as well, including:

• Medications
• Pregnancy
• Alcohol Abuse
• Tobacco Use
• High Sugar Diet
• Certain Diseases

Factors that increase the odds of someone developing gum include access to dental care, ethnicity, and even education. Peruse these remarkable stats on this common dental problem.

• 14.74% of current smokers have gum disease versus only 7.61% of former smokers
• 17.33% of those without a diploma have gum disease versus only 9.34% who do
• 10.65% of males have gum disease versus only 6.4% of females

By continuing to brush your teeth twice a day and paying attention to anything unusual in your mouth, you stand a good chance at catching gum disease before it becomes serious. It’s also vital to attend your biannual dental appointments. When you visit our office in Champaign, IL, we’ll conduct a thorough exam to ensure that there are no signs of gum disease or any other dental problems. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Martin.