Gum Disease Treatment in Phoenix, AZ
Periodontal disease or gum disease can impact your oral health, smile, and confidence. In fact, a primary reason for tooth loss is untreated gum disease.
Considering that over half of American adults above the age of 30 have periodontal disease, we encourage our Phoenix patients to arrange regular dental hygiene visits and dental exams at Arcadia Dentistry.
If you have swollen or bleeding gums, consistent bad breath, or other periodontal symptoms, talk to Dr. Matthew Milana and his friendly dental team about treating gum disease to reestablish your oral health.
A Silent Disease
The reason why many adult patients develop gum disease and allow it to progress into late stages is due to the asymptomatic nature of the infection. Periodontal disease often starts without few or no symptoms; early stages may include sore, swollen, and bleeding gums and possibly bad breath that will not go away. As the infection progresses, teeth begin to loosen and separate, and eventually, tooth loss occurs.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease is created when plaque is allowed to buildup. Plaque can easily be removed through good oral hygiene at home (brushing and flossing) alongside routine dental hygiene visits and exams. When plaque is not treated, it creates toxins that damage your gums. Periodontal disease enters below the gum line and creates pockets that bacteria can thrive in. This gum infection has two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. This is when patients start seeing signs of infection, like red and bleeding gums. This stage of gum infection is easily reversible and can be treated with routine brushing and flossing.
Periodontitis is the untreated, late stage of gum disease. At this point, your gums and bones can be irreversibly damaged. When your gums are infected, your teeth can become loose and fall out.
There are a variety of factors that can affect your oral health, but common culprits of periodontal disease include:
- Diabetes
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Certain medications
- Ill-fitting orthodontics or restorative prosthetics
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Loose fillings
- Pregnancy
If you think you may have periodontal disease, please call Arcadia Dentistry to schedule your dental hygiene visit today.
What Are the Symptoms of Gingivitis?
While many Phoenix patients have periodontal disease and not realize it, here are some common symptoms you can watch out for:
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen and red gums
- Gums that form pockets around teeth
- Consistent bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Changes in your bite alignment
- Changes in your denture fit
- Changes in spacing between teeth
Preventing Gum Disease
As serious and scary as gum infection sounds, it’s easy to prevent. The most crucial aspect of your oral health lies in consistent and regular dental checkups with your Phoenix dentist, Dr. Milana. At each dental visit, he can measure the space between your teeth and gums to check on any loosening or spacing apart since the last visit. In addition, your dental hygienist can polish and remove any plaque buildup that will lead to gum infection.
At home, you can do your part to eliminate gum disease by faithfully brushing and flossing your teeth daily. Your diet can also affect how much plaque can build up; avoiding sugars and sodas can help your gums out tremendously. Finally, your lifestyle should include healthy habits that don’t compromise the health of your teeth.
Schedule an Appointment in the Phoenix Area
If you’ve noticed a change in your oral health or teeth alignment, give us a call. It’s better to start treatment early to allow us a better chance of preserving your teeth. At Arcadia Dentistry near in 85253, we are firm believers in zero-judgment dental treatment. It’s not our job to scold you, but we are here to help you! No matter how long it’s been since your last visit with us, don’t hesitate to come straight in. Click here to schedule with one of our Phoenix dentists
