Gum Disease Treatment in Murrieta

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is inflammation and infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place, and it starts with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria on your teeth.

When plaque isn’t removed, it can harden into tartar. The NIDCR says only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.

The bacteria in plaque and tartar trigger inflammation that can damage your gums and, over time, the bone that supports your teeth. Cleveland Clinic calls gum disease the leading cause of tooth loss.

It’s also very common. CDC data show about 4 in 10 U.S. adults 30 and older, and about 6 in 10 adults 65 and older, had periodontitis in 2009–2014.

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is the mild, early stage that affects only the gums and can be reversed. Periodontitis is the advanced stage that damages the bone around your teeth; it can’t be reversed, only slowed and managed.

With gingivitis, gums may look red and puffy and bleed when you brush or floss, but there’s no bone loss yet. It often doesn’t hurt, which makes it easy to miss.

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) says untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. Bacteria spread below the gumline, pockets form between the gums and teeth, and the supporting bone breaks down.

In advanced periodontitis, teeth can loosen and may eventually need to be removed. If you’ve noticed a loose adult tooth, don’t wait to have it checked.

What are the warning signs of gum disease?

Common signs include gums that bleed easily, look red or swollen, or feel tender. The CDC warns that gum disease can become serious before you notice any symptoms. Watch for:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Red, swollen, tender or purplish gums
• Gums pulling away from your teeth, making teeth look longer
• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Loose or sensitive teeth, or pain when chewing
• Pus around the gumline
• Changes in how your teeth fit together, or in how a partial denture fits

What causes gum disease, and who is at risk?

Plaque buildup is the main cause, but smoking, diabetes and several other factors make gum disease more likely or more severe. Learn more about bleeding gums, swollen gums and bad breath if you’ve noticed those signs.

• Smoking or other tobacco use. The CDC says smokers have twice the risk of gum disease, and treatment may not work as well.
• Diabetes. The AAP says people with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop gum disease.
• Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and menopause
• Older age, and a family tendency toward gum disease even with careful home care
• Stress, which can make it harder for your body to fight infection
• Some medicines, such as certain heart medicines, antidepressants and oral contraceptives
• Clenching or grinding your teeth
• Poor nutrition and obesity

What is a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)?

A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots so your gums can heal.

The CDC lists it as a non-surgical treatment for periodontitis. Your gums are numbed first with a local anesthetic.

According to the AAP, scaling clears plaque and bacterial toxins from the pockets around your teeth. Root planing then smooths the roots to help keep plaque from sticking again.

Your dentist may also suggest a prescription mouth rinse, or antibiotics placed around the roots. The NIDCR notes that advanced cases may need surgery, and our team will talk with you about your options if that’s the case.

What happens after gum disease treatment?

Most people need ongoing maintenance visits after a deep cleaning. The AAP says many patients need no further treatment, but most need maintenance care to keep their gums healthy.

Maintenance visits keep plaque and tartar under control and let your dentist watch your gums over time. Your dentist will recommend how often to come in.

Daily home care matters just as much. The NIDCR says good daily care at home is part of treatment, and the CDC notes that quitting tobacco helps gums heal.

Regular cleanings and exams keep you on track. If gum disease has already cost you a tooth, dental implants, placed in our office from start to finish, are one option to discuss.

Is gum disease linked to other health problems?

Yes. Gum disease is linked to several health conditions, most clearly diabetes, though for most of these links researchers haven’t proven that gum disease is the cause.

Diabetes works both ways. People with diabetes are more likely to get gum disease, and the CDC says untreated periodontitis can make diabetes worse. The AAP notes that treating gum disease has been shown to improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Gum disease has also been linked to heart disease. The AAP says inflammation may explain the connection, but a cause-and-effect link hasn’t been proven.

The AAP adds that bacteria from the gums can be breathed into the lungs and may contribute to infections like pneumonia. The NIDCR lists rheumatoid arthritis among conditions associated with gum disease.

If you have diabetes or heart disease, let us know, and talk with your doctor about your gum health too.

How can you prevent gum disease?

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth every day, don’t use tobacco, and keep up regular checkups and cleanings.

• Brush gently along the gumline with a soft brush held at a 45-degree angle.
• Clean between your teeth daily with floss or another tool, like interdental brushes or a water flosser.
• Quit smoking and other tobacco products.
• Manage diabetes, which the CDC says lowers your risk of gum disease.
• Eat a balanced diet, since the AAP notes that poor nutrition can weaken your body’s ability to fight infection.
• See your dentist regularly. The CDC advises a dental checkup at least once a year.

Questions & answers

Common questions