Periodontal (gum) disease is a condition that currently affects around half of American adults over the age of 30 in some form. Gum disease is best described as an infection of your gums and the bone that together are the foundations for your teeth.
Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease can be a tricky condition to diagnose on your own because it causes minimal pain and very few symptoms in the beginning. Gingivitis is the first phase of gum disease, and some of the signs are:
- Bleeding during brushing and flossing
- Bad breath that doesn't go away
- Gums that appear red, swollen, or irritated
If you notice these signs, it is the right time to contact your dentist for a checkup and dental cleaning. Being proactive about treating gingivitis may even allow you to reverse your condition.
Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease. At this stage you may have pain or tenderness when chewing, you might notice that your teeth feel mobile, or your gums are receding. Treating periodontitis requires scaling and root planing, which is a deep cleaning that reaches below the gum line. Antibiotic therapy or surgery may be necessary in some cases.
Periodontal Treatment in Gaithersburg
If you have concerns about periodontal disease in Gaithersburg, or if it's time for your next cleaning and checkup, please contact Lakeforest Dental Associates to schedule your appointment.