Periodontal Care
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The first stage of gum disease is called “gingivitis”. The majority of people with gum disease have gingivitis, and at this stage the symptoms are minor and include bleeding while you brush and floss, and persistent bad breath (halitosis). Gingivitis does not cause permanent damage to the oral tissues and can usually be reversed with a deep cleaning and antibiotics.

If gingivitis is not treated in time, it will progress to the second stage of gum disease, often called “periodontitis.” This condition is not reversible and causes permanent damage to your gums and teeth. It may result in the loosening of your teeth, increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, and the swelling, inflammation, and discoloration of your gums. With proper care, the infection can be halted to prevent gum disease doing further damage.
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The final stage of gum disease is called “advanced periodontitis.” In many cases, the damage done by this stage is not reversible and the teeth cannot be saved. Patients may experience symptoms like pus in their mouths, loss of multiple teeth, and the exposure of the tooth root due to gum recession. To treat this condition, teeth must usually must be extracted and replaced.

The symptoms of gingivitis are relatively easy to identify. Most patients with gingivitis will experience symptoms including:
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- Swelling and discoloration of the gums
- Bleeding while brushing and flossing
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Tenderness and softness of the gums
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As the disease progresses, symptoms worsen. Patients with periodontitis and advanced periodontitis often experience the following:

- Changes in bite
- A bad taste in the mouth and persistent bad breath
- Sores on the inside of the mouth
- Gum recession, making teeth look longer
- Pain and discomfort when chewing
- Sensitivity when chewing
- Looseness or loss of multiple teeth

If you recognize any of these signs and symptoms, contact DK Dental Care at (414) 529-3253 for a consultation with Dr. Keeling and get help for periodontal disease right away.

Deep cleanings are the first line of defense against periodontal disease, and are also sometimes called “scaling and root planing.” During a deep cleaning, one of our hygienists will use specialized tools to remove tartar and plaque from between your gums. This is where the bacteria that cause gum disease tend to collect.
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In addition to removing the tartar from between your gums, the roots of your teeth will be planed and smoothed. As gum disease progresses, pockets can form near the root of your teeth, which hold harmful oral bacteria. Smoothing out the roots of your teeth helps eliminate the infection and prevents bacteria from collecting in this area. It also helps encourage your teeth to re-attach to your gums.

Gum disease is caused by the accumulation of bacteria on the gums in the form of plaque and tartar. Bacteria in the mouth build up and form clumps of a whitish substance on the teeth and gum line called plaque. Eventually, the plaque hardens and forms tartar, a hard, yellow-brown lining on the gum line.

This plaque causes inflammation and redding of the gums known as gingivitis, which makes them more prone to bleeding, especially after brushing your teeth. Gingivitis is an early sign of periodontitis. If left untreated, Gingivitis worsens into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease.

Periodontitis causes the recession of the gums and bone tissue around the affected teeth. This recession increases the likelihood of periodontal pockets, which are spaces around the teeth just under the gumline. Eventually, the recession loosens the affected teeth and may even make them fall out. Treatment from a licensed dentist is the best solution for periodontitis.

No, periodontal disease cannot be cured. However, you can take steps to control the symptoms and manage the disease. For instance, you can get professional dental cleaning to eliminate bacteria from the mouth.

Professional cleaning involves scaling, which uses a dental instrument called a scaler to remove plaque and tartar between the teeth and on the gum line. It also involves root planing, which smoothens the root surfaces to remove tartar. After cleaning, the dentist will rinse your mouth with fluoride mouthwash to remove any debris and give you fresh breath.

Additionally, the dentist might administer antibiotics to control the spread and proliferation of bacteria. Popular antibiotics used for periodontal disease include minocycline, tetracycline, and doxycycline. The dentist might also apply an antimicrobial gel on the gums to eliminate the bacteria. Surgery to reduce the periodontal pockets or graft new gum tissue is sometimes necessary for people with severe periodontal disease.

The best way to manage periodontal disease at home is to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine. This routine should involve brushing your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes with a soft-bristled brush. Always use a fluoride treatment and ensure you brush every surface of your teeth, especially the region beneath the gum line.

Oral hygiene aside, you could also rinse your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash after brushing and flossing your teeth. Fluoride kills bacteria in the mouth and prevents periodontal disease from worsening. Dentists also recommend scheduling regular dental checkups to check for early signs of periodontal disease and address them before they get out of hand.

Additionally, you’ll want to steer clear of alcoholic drinks and tobacco products. Smoking and drinking excessive alcohol worsens periodontal disease and is detrimental to gum health. If you must drink or smoke, do so in moderation. Lastly, eat a balanced diet and avoid sugary foods that encourage the spread of bacteria.