Receive Thorough Treatment for Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common bacterial infection that affects the gums and can have serious consequences if left untreated. This condition can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and eventual damage to the bone supporting your teeth. It is important to seek treatment from a dental professional in Albuquerque, NM to prevent further complications and maintain good oral health. Regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene practices, and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent gum disease and protect your smile for years to come.
What Are the Consequences of Leaving My Gum Disease Untreated?
The early signs of gum disease may be subtle and easy to overlook, but they should not be ignored. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to a variety of painful, unsightly, and expensive oral health issues. It can also affect other areas of your body. Symptoms may include difficulty chewing, receding gums, elongated teeth, and loose or missing teeth.
These are just a few of the dental issues that can result from gum disease. It can also have serious implications for your overall health. The bacteria that cause periodontitis can enter your bloodstream through infected gums, potentially leading to significant health problems in other parts of your body. Individuals with gum disease may also be at higher risk for medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
Who Qualifies for Treatment for Gum Disease?
Most patients are eligible for gum disease treatments, as long as their gum tissue is pale pink, firm, and fits tightly around each tooth. If your gums are swollen, red, tender, bleed easily, or have bad breath, you may benefit from gum disease treatments to improve your oral health. Additionally, receding gum tissue may also indicate that treatment is necessary.
Gum Disease Treatment
There are two types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is characterized by tender gums that easily bleed, and it can be treated by visiting our Albuquerque dental office more frequently for dental hygiene appointments. We may also prescribe medicated mouthwash to improve your at-home oral care routine and prevent further gum infection.
Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease and may be identified by chronic bad breath, loose teeth, pus between teeth, and a persistent unpleasant taste in the mouth. To treat periodontitis, our Albuquerque dentists offer scaling and root planing or laser gum therapy. These treatments effectively remove bacteria and plaque from below the gum line, eliminating the infection and protecting the long-term health of your teeth and gums.