It seems hard to believe, but research indicates that as many as 80 percent of adults in the United States have some degree of gum disease. And if that weren’t enough of a problem, many don’t even know they have this chronic bacterial infection. Dr. Groy and his team provide gum disease treatment in Leesburg, VA. However, before treatment, we want to make sure our patients are familiar with the warning signs of gum disease. Of course, we check for these signs at each one of your regularly scheduled dental cleanings and exams, but you need to be on the lookout for them in between appointments, too.
The Initial Warning Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is divided into two stages. The first stage is gingivitis and the second is periodontitis. Each has specific warning signs. For gingivitis, the signs are red and swollen gums that may bleed when you brush or floss. Some people make the mistake of thinking that a little bleeding is okay when you floss. It’s not. Bleeding gum tissue is a sign that your gums are infected with bacteria.
Without treatment, gingivitis progresses to become periodontitis. This stage is marked by any of the following symptoms:
- Receding gums
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Enlarged gum pockets around your teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pus in between your teeth and gums
If not addressed with proper gum disease treatment at our Leesburg dental office, periodontitis may ultimately necessitate tooth extraction.
For Gum Disease Treatment, Call Dr. Groy
If gum disease is discovered at the point where it is gingivitis, then treatment may only consist of a thorough dental cleaning by a hygienist in our office and more stringent brushing and flossing at home. Many people mistakenly believe that if they see bleeding then they should stop flossing. To the contrary, you should continue flossing in order to remove plaque where bacteria hide.
If there is periodontitis, then additional treatment is likely necessary to halt the advancement of this disease. With scaling and root planing, we can remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from above and below the gum line and smooth root surfaces, so these substances are less likely to stick to your teeth and invade your gum tissue and underlying bone structure. Advanced cases of periodontitis may require surgical procedures.
Call Our Office Today
If you see blood when you brush or floss, then contact the office of Dr. Groy, the dentist Leesburg, VA, trusts for periodontal care, as well as family and cosmetic dentistry.