Gum Disease Treatment in Birmingham, MI
Protect your smile
Too often overlooked, your gums are an essential part of your oral health. If they become infected, it can threaten the health of your surrounding teeth and cause a variety of debilitating symptoms. That’s why our team at Saad Oral Health & Beauty offers comfortable treatment solutions to eliminate gum disease and protect your smile.
Explore our guide to learn about the causes and symptoms of gum disease, as well as how our dentists can provide relief for the condition.
What is Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is an oral infection that develops in your gum tissue. It typically results from a buildup of plaque in your mouth, a sticky substance that forms when bacteria harden to your teeth.
The best way to prevent plaque from building up is daily brushing and flossing, along with regular dental cleanings at our Birmingham practice. Without prompt treatment, gum disease will continue to spread throughout your smile and wreak havoc on your oral health.
Stages of Gum Disease
There are two primary stages of gum disease:
- Gingivitis — In this early, mild stage of gum disease, you likely won’t experience any pain or noticeable symptoms other than red and inflamed gums. If you seek treatment during this stage, the infection can usually be reversed with relative ease.
- Periodontitis — Without treatment, gingivitis will progress into periodontitis, a far more threatening condition. During this stage, the bones and tissues supporting your teeth will begin to wear down. As a result, you may experience severe pain, tooth loss, and many other symptoms.
Risk Factors For Gum Disease
Research has linked several factors to an increased risk of developing gum disease. Some of the most common include:
- Diabetes
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Medications that reduce saliva flow
- Some health conditions, such as cancer and AIDS
- Aging
- Stress
- Genetics
Our Treatment Options
At Saad Oral Health & Beauty, our team is happy to provide effective solutions for gum disease. When you visit our office for a periodontal checkup, one of our experienced dentists will examine your gums to determine the severity of your infection before working with you to find a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Scaling & Root Planing
If you come in for treatment while your gum infection is still in the gingivitis stage, we can usually eliminate it with scaling and root planing. This fast, minimally invasive treatment involves using our specialized dental tools to remove plaque that’s built up above and below your gumline.
Also known as deep cleaning, scaling and root planing is typically the first defense against gum disease. By addressing your infection early, you can avoid the most severe symptoms and prevent the need for surgery.
ARESTIN® Gum Treatment
In addition to performing deep cleanings, our team is proud to offer ARESTIN as a powerful tool for fighting gum disease. This antibiotic is applied to your gums, helping to disinfect them and shrink periodontal pockets for a faster recovery.
In most cases, our dentists will administer ARESTIN after you undergo scaling and root planing. Once the medicine has been administered, it will fight your infection for at least two weeks, helping to restore your gums to full health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease is caused by a build-up of harmful bacteria in your gums, typically from not brushing and flossing enough or skipping your routine dental check-ups. Without treatment, these bacteria stick to your teeth and harden into a substance called plaque, putting you at high risk for gum disease.
How is gum disease related to heart disease?
According to medical research, people who have gum disease are two to three times more likely to suffer from a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular events. The exact link isn’t definitively known yet, but many medical professionals believe it’s linked to plaque traveling through your bloodstream into your arteries.
The connection may also have to do with the fact that gum disease causes inflammation, which can increase your risk of cardiovascular issues over time. While the research is far from finished, it’s clear that gum disease is harmful to your health and has some correlation with heart disease.
Can gum disease be cured?
Gum disease can often be reversed if it’s treated before the condition becomes too severe. In the earliest stage of gingivitis, you may even be able to reverse it by improving your oral hygiene at home.
If you notice any signs of gum disease, we recommend scheduling an appointment so we can help you determine how severe it is. In most cases, our Saad dental team will be able to treat your symptoms and provide relief with one of our periodontal solutions.
Visit Saad Oral health & beauty For Gum Disease Treatment
Although it’s very common, gum disease shouldn’t be taken lightly. Without treatment, it can permanently damage your oral health and cause a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms. That’s why it’s crucial to be aware of the warning signs and get in touch with our Birmingham dentistry at the first hint of a problem.
Call our family dental practice at 248-646-3515 to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists. They’ll examine your gums and help determine a course of treatment that fits your unique needs.
