Oral health is important because it has a direct impact on overall health, affecting one’s ability to speak, eat, and smile. Oral health is linked to systemic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. As Dr. Terri Alani stated, “The greatest thing you can do for yourself is to take care of your mouth, because it affects everything else you do.” Gum disease is a serious oral health problem, sometimes requiring a deep clean gum disease treatment.
How Many Americans Have Gum Disease
More than 42% of all adults older than 30 have some form of gum disease, and 8-9% have severe periodontal disease. The rate of gum disease increases with age, affecting about 60% of adults 65 years and older. About 60% of smokers have gum disease.
What is Gum Disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease is a broad term for conditions involving inflammation and infection of the gum and bone tissues that surround and support the teeth. Gum disease starts when bacteria grow in the mouth. A sticky film of bacteria, called plaque, builds up on and around the teeth. Plaque turns into a hard deposit called tartar, and tartar traps bacteria on your teeth.
Gum disease has four stages.
- Stage one: gingivitis. At this stage, the gums may be red and swollen. They might bleed when brushing your teeth. Gum disease can generally be quickly reversed at this stage with professional dental services.
- Stage two: mild periodontitis. At this stage, bacteria have gotten underneath your gums and reached your bones. Your gums might pull away from your teeth and create pockets that can be filled with bacteria that can damage your teeth even more.
- Moderate periodontitis. At this stage, bacteria eat away at the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place. Your gums might hurt, and you may see signs of infection, like pus around the gumline.
- Advanced periodontitis. At this stage, the bone and tissue around your teeth are more damaged. In time, your teeth may get loose and fall out.
The stages of mild and moderate periodontitis may require a deep clean gum disease treatment.
Signs That A Deep Clean Gum Disease Treatment is Needed
First, the space between your gums and teeth is 4mm or more. Second, dental X-rays and examinations reveal bone loss near the tooth roots. Third, bleeding gums. Fourth, visible receding gums. Other symptoms can include persistent bad breath, loose or shifting teeth, and sensitivity around the gum line.
Gum Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
A dental services professional will look for bleeding and swollen gums, pockets between your gums and teeth, receding gums, loose teeth, and a change in your bite.
Treatment options can be non-surgical, including a deep clean gum disease treatment, root planing, and the use of antibiotic mouth rinses. Surgical procedures can include flap surgery, soft tissue grafts, and bone grafting.
Mild periodontitis can be professionally treated with a deep clean gum disease procedure.
Seek Professional Dental Care
Contact Old Mt. Pleasant Dentistry, located right off Ben Sawyer Blvd in Mt. Pleasant. S.C. for dental care you can trust. We use treatment plans that are practical, using the most advanced technology. We offer caring routine dental care and procedures, including extractions and root canals. To us, the patient is the most important person in the office.