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Gum Disease Milwaukie ORGums are among the most critical aspects of dental health, yet they remain the most overlooked. They hold your teeth in place and protect them from harmful bacteria. If your gums are unhealthy, you can develop gum disease. Fortunately, gum disease is highly treatable and preventable through periodontal therapy and maintenance. Visit our clinic at Michael Regan, DMD Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry for professional periodontal care in Milwaukie. What Is Gum Disease?Gum disease is an infection of the gums and the surrounding bone supporting the teeth. The condition starts with the inflammation of the gums, or gingivitis. It then gradually advances into a full-blown infection. It is one of the leading causes of tooth loss and can lead to more severe dental issues and chronic health problems if untreated. Causes of Gum DiseasePeriodontal disease often develops from poor oral care. Food particles can find their way into the gaps along your teeth and gum line, leading to plaque build-up. If you do not regularly brush or floss your teeth, the plaque will transform into tartar deposits. Plaque and tartar trigger the growth of harmful bacteria under your gum line, inflaming the gums and causing periodontitis. Some people might develop gum disease even with proper oral care. They might be prone to this infection because of lifestyle habits like smoking or due to genetic factors. Others might develop gum disease from hormonal changes, immune deficiencies, and certain medications. Signs and Symptoms of Gum DiseaseThe signs and symptoms of gum disease might not be evident during the initial stages. The infection might progress gradually and painlessly, only exhibiting symptoms later. One of the first and most common signs is bleeding. Your gums might bleed during and after brushing or flossing your teeth. Other signs include receding or inflamed gums (gingivitis). You might also notice deep pockets between your gum line and teeth and an unpleasant taste or bad breath, even after brushing or using mouthwash. If you notice any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to visit our clinic. Our dentist can help diagnose and treat gum disease in Milwaukie, OR, and save your teeth from further damage. How Is Gum Disease Treated?Treatment options for gum disease vary based on the progression of the infection. Some patients might only need to brush and floss their teeth to reverse the effects of mild gingivitis. Others might require deep cleaning, antibiotic medications, or surgery to treat gum disease. We often recommend deep cleaning, including root planing and scaling, to treat gum disease during the early stages. Some patients may use an antiseptic mouthwash and oral antibiotics to contain the condition. Surgery is the last resort for treating advanced periodontitis. Our dentist will conduct a dental examination to determine if you need periodontal care in Milwaukie. What to Expect During Periodontal TherapyPeriodontal therapy is a non-surgical procedure for treating gum disease. The first step usually involves probing your gums for inflammation, bleeding, and loose teeth. Our dentist will use a periodontal ruler to measure the pockets between your gums and teeth to determine the severity of the condition. We may also order panoramic X-rays to establish the extent of bone loss. After diagnosing the disease, we will provide the most effective treatments to restore your gum health. For advanced periodontitis, our dentist may recommend periodontal surgery to remove infected tissue. Recovery and AftercarePeriodontal therapy aftercare is critical to recovery. Your next steps will determine how fast your gums will heal after treatment. Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and food particles. Floss at least once daily and rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash to disinfect your mouth. Get plenty of rest during recovery and drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. Also, maintain a balanced diet to boost your immunity and fight infections. Avoid hard foods and try to stop grinding or clenching your teeth to protect your healing gums. Given that smoking is one of the risk factors for gum disease, consider quitting. Most importantly, schedule regular visits to our dental clinic for professional periodontal care in Milwaukie, OR. Frequently Asked Questions About Gum DiseaseWe often get numerous questions from our patients about periodontitis. Here are detailed answers to the most frequently asked questions about gum disease. Can gum disease cause any complications?Untreated gum disease can result in severe complications. You may start losing teeth as the disease progresses. Various studies link gum disease to other chronic health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. How can I prevent gum disease?You can prevent gum disease by maintaining good oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth and gums regularly with recommended oral products. Embrace healthy lifestyle choices like quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, and visiting the dentist regularly. Is periodontal therapy painful?Periodontal therapy is a non-surgical procedure, making it painless. It entails using non-invasive treatments to reverse the effects of gum disease. Therapy might include deep cleaning, scaling and root planing. We may also provide patients with antibiotic medications and oral treatments to treat gum disease. Although you might feel slight discomfort after therapy, it will subside within a few hours. How long is the recovery period after periodontal therapy?The recovery period after periodontal therapy varies from patient to patient. It also depends on your aftercare practices. Most people recover within a few days. Periodontal surgery patients might take two to three weeks to heal. Are there any home remedies for treating gum disease?Some patients can use home remedies to treat gum disease. The most common options include antiseptic mouthwash and salt water. Others prefer coconut oil or topical treatments. However, their effectiveness is debatable and depends on various factors, including the stage of the disease. The only reliable way to determine an ideal treatment option is to visit our clinic for a routine dental exam and diagnosis. Periodontal Therapy in Milwaukie, ORUntreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss and cause other health problems. The quicker you treat the condition, the better for your oral and overall health. Visit our clinic at Michael Regan, DMD Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry or call us at 503-654-8283 for reliable periodontal care in Milwaukie, OR. |
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