Oral health is a serious matter than can affect your confidence and overall health. If you find that you have gum disease, it’s important to know your treatment options. In Coralville, IA, Coral West Dental is ready to provide you with the quality of care you deserve because we know your health matters.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a result of tartar build-up on teeth from bacteria that stays on the teeth too long. This creates a hard coating on the teeth that can only be removed by a dentist and can spread to the gums. When this happens, it leads to gum disease that can cause all types of issues for the victim. 

Gingivitis typically precedes the more serious periodontitis. In this stage, gums are often red and swollen and you may experience chronic bad breath. You may notice bleeding while brushing and flossing if you have gingivitis. Your dentist may recommend a special mouthwash or deep in-office cleaning to reverse this condition.

Periodontitis, however, is the more advanced stage of gum disease. Serious problems such as loose teeth, painful chewing, receding gum lines and a change in your bite can occur. At this stage, your dentist will take a more aggressive approach to treat the progression of the disease. Non-surgical options will likely be the first course of action. These may include scaling and root cleaning to deep clean the teeth and roots. For more serious cases, surgical treatments may be needed such as dental implants, laser gum surgery or periodontal surgery. These measures are necessary to prevent even worse conditions including cardiovascular disease, stroke or respiratory diseases.

Causes of Gum Disease

Many cases of gum disease can be prevented with good oral care. Regular brushing, flossing, rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash and dental cleanings keep bacteria at bay. Good oral hygiene practices keep the bacteria that develop gum disease from hardening into plaque that leads to these more serious oral conditions.

Gum disease may develop as a result of heredity, certain medications, diabetes and pregnancy. Those with these conditions are more at-risk to develop gum disease, so maintaining oral health is of utmost importance if any of these conditions apply to you.

Tobacco use is also a leading cause of gum disease. Smoking, chewing tobacco and other forms of tobacco-use creates build-up on the teeth that is very difficult to clean. Avoiding this habit can mitigate the chance of future gum disease and other oral issues.

Signs of Gum Disease

It’s good to recognize the signs of gum disease so you can seek early treatment. During your regular dental visits you should mention any of these symptoms so your dentist can investigate for potential issues.

• Bleeding gums when performing your regular brushing and flossing

• Red or swollen gums

• Sensitive teeth

• Loose teeth

• Pain when chewing

• Gums that begin to pull away from your teeth

• Chronic or worsening bad breath

• Changes to your bite

• Dentures that no longer fit the same

An experienced dentist can recognize the early signs of gingivitis and prevent it from progressing further. In Coralville, Coral West Dental can provide you with the gum disease treatment options that are right for you to restore your oral health. Schedule an appointment today for a full exam.