Gum treatment in Holyoke

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection that starts in the gum tissue. If left untreated, it can spread to the bones and ligaments of the jaw. 

What Causes Gingivitis?

Periodontal disease starts as gingivitis. While most people have heard the term, they may not be clear about the signs of gingivitis. Common gingivitis causes are poor oral hygiene and a buildup of plaque, which is the sticky film that forms on your teeth. If you don’t floss and brush it away, it hardens and becomes tartar, which is what causes gum disease. If left untreated, it can go beneath your gum line where your toothbrush can’t reach. This is where the infection begins to take hold and spread. It’s important to treat the causes of gingivitis. Our dentists work closely with patients to identify and treat gum disease. If you think you may have signs of gingivitis, don’t wait. Contact us today for help in finding a gingivitis cure.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease symptoms can start small. In fact, most people don’t notice them right away. The first gum infection symptoms most people are aware of are bleeding from the gums when they brush or floss. Some people also experience such gingivitis symptoms as swollen or tender gums, while others have none. The symptoms of periodontal disease are more pronounced. As the infection progresses, most people notice their gums moving away from their teeth, creating gaps between the teeth and gums. In severe cases, people may see pus surrounding their teeth and gums.

Signs of Gum Disease

It’s important to be aware of gum disease symptoms and early signs of gingivitis. The easiest way to do this is to pay close attention to your brushing and flossing routine. Make sure to brush your teeth, gums and tongue twice a day. Floss between each tooth carefully. Pay close attention to your gum line, and carefully floss close to your gums. If you have crowded teeth, bridgework, or braces, you’ll need to take extra care when flossing. We can recommend special floss and flossing aids that will help you keep your teeth clean and avoid early gingivitis. If you have any gingivitis symptoms, we provide prompt treatment of gum disease in Holyoke. Our skilled dental team is here to help, so call us today.

Gum Disease Stages

There are three stages of gum disease:

Stage 1: Gingivitis

This first stage involves bleeding gums that pull away from the teeth and form pockets. Food and debris can get caught in the pockets, which can make the infection worse.

Stage 2: Periodontitis

At this stage, the infection damages soft tissue and the bone surrounding the teeth. Gums become swollen and tender, and pus forms between the gums and the teeth. Reversing gum disease at this stage is possible with the right care.

Stage 3: Advanced Periodontitis

This serious disease leads to loss of bone and gum tissue. Teeth become loose and may fall out. Gum disease treatment at this stage usually involves surgery.

How to Cure Gingivitis

Many patients ask: Can gingivitis be cured? For mild cases, the answer is yes. If detected early, you can reverse gingivitis and prevent it from progressing to periodontitis. The best gingivitis cure is prevention. A good oral care routine at home and regular visits to our dental office will keep your gums healthy and prevent plaque from building up and causing problems. If you smoke, an important part of your gum disease cure will be to try to quit. Smokers have deeper pockets in their gums that are harder to keep clean.

Gingivitis Treatment

Our experienced dentists offer treatment for gum disease in Holyoke. First, we will thoroughly evaluate your teeth and gums for any signs of gingivitis. Then, we will complete a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. Our tools can reach plaque your toothbrush can’t, including tartar below your gum line. Treating gingivitis symptoms requires a careful assessment of your risk factors and your home oral hygiene routine. Our dentists will talk with you about possible risk factors for periodontal disease. We’ll also help you find ways to make your home dental care as comfortable and easy as possible. We know how to treat gingivitis, so call us to set up an appointment.

How to Reverse Gum Disease

You may be wondering: Is gingivitis reversible? A gingivitis cure is possible in many situations. In serious cases, surgery may be needed to restore gum tissue and remove the infection. When it comes to reversing gum disease, our expert dentists can create a personalized gingivitis treatment plan for you. If you’re worried about your gums and are looking for a gingivitis cure, schedule a consultation today.