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Protect Your Gums and Save Your Smile
Gum disease often develops quietly, without obvious pain, which is why many patients do not realize they have it until it has progressed. At Anderson Dental Group in Payson, AZ, we offer gum disease treatment designed to stop the progression of infection, protect the bone and tissue supporting your teeth, and help you avoid more serious complications down the road.
Left untreated, gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults and has been linked to broader health concerns, including heart disease and diabetes. The good news is that gum disease is highly treatable, especially when caught in its earlier stages, and our team is here to guide you through the process with care and clear communication.
Schedule a Gum Health Evaluation
Causes of Gum Disease
Gum disease is common but largely preventable, and it is usually the result of poor oral hygiene. It is often caused by plaque buildup on the teeth from bacteria, mucus, and other particles naturally found in the mouth. Plaque that is not removed through proper, regular brushing and flossing hardens into tartar, which brushing alone cannot remove. Beyond plaque buildup, several other factors can contribute to gum disease, including smoking, diabetes and other illnesses, medications that reduce saliva production, teeth grinding, stress, and poor nutrition.
Addressing it promptly helps stop bone and tissue loss before it can lead to loose or missing teeth, and it reduces the chronic bad breath and discomfort that often come with untreated infection. Because gum disease has been linked to broader health concerns like heart disease and diabetes complications, treating it is about protecting more than just your smile.
Signs of Gum Disease
When gum disease is present, the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums and teeth, often leading to noticeable symptoms. Watch for:
- Red and swollen gums
- Tender gums that bleed easily
- Constant bad breath
- Painful chewing
- Tooth sensitivity
- Receding gumlines
Gum Disease Treatment Options
When detected early, gum disease can often be treated with nonsurgical methods designed to control the infection. How effective treatment is often depends on a patient's at-home habits, and you may be asked to adjust certain lifestyle factors, like smoking, to support lasting results. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment may include:
- Root scaling and planing: Gum disease begins with tartar and plaque buildup around the teeth, and scaling removes that buildup from below the gumline, where routine cleanings cannot reach. Root planing follows, smoothing the damaged tooth root so the gums can reattach more easily. Depending on the severity of your condition, more than one visit may be needed to fully remove the plaque and tartar.
- Medication: Following treatment, an antimicrobial rinse or systemic antibiotic may be recommended to help control infection, often delivered using a tray fitted over the surface of the teeth.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease develops in stages, and understanding where your condition falls helps clarify the right treatment approach.
Gingivitis
The earliest stage of gum disease, marked by red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Gingivitis is often reversible with improved oral hygiene and a professional cleaning.
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Early Periodontitis
Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to early periodontitis, where the infection begins to affect the bone and tissue below the gumline, causing gums to pull away from the teeth.
2
Moderate Periodontitis
At this stage, deeper pockets form between the teeth and gums, bone loss becomes more noticeable, and teeth may begin to feel slightly loose.
3
Advanced Periodontitis
The most severe stage, involving significant bone and tissue loss, loose or shifting teeth, and a high risk of tooth loss without prompt, comprehensive treatment.
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Preventing Gum Disease
Daily brushing and flossing, combined with regular professional cleanings, greatly reduce your chances of developing gum disease. Establishing good brushing and flossing habits at home is essential, and our team can spot and treat plaque buildup before it progresses into gum disease. Routine professional cleanings also help lower other health risks that can arise when bacteria from plaque enter the bloodstream.
Protect Your Smile from Gum Disease
Gum disease does not improve on its own, but early treatment can stop it in its tracks. Schedule an evaluation with Anderson Dental Group and take the first step toward healthier gums.
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