Gum Disease Treatment in Sarasota

Gum disease. Not exactly a topic of conversation that comes up often at a party or in the break room. Nevertheless, it is important to know about gum disease, the different types of this bacterial infection and the signs and symptoms. And rest assured, Dr. Hoffman and his staff at Parkway Ridge Dental offer gum disease treatment in Sarasota so you can have a healthy smile.

The Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease, which is also called periodontal disease, is divided into two stages. Gingivitis is the first and milder form. At this point, you may notice that your gums have become red, are swollen and tend to bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. Unfortunately, gingivitis can be an indication that you are not sticking to a good oral hygiene routine at home. However, with more stringent brushing and flossing and professional cleaning, gingivitis is reversible although not curable.

If gingivitis is ignored, then gum disease can progress to become periodontitis. The same plaque that led to gingivitis begins to spread below your gum line. Here, toxins that are excreted by bacteria irritate gum tissue, which triggers an inflammatory response. As a result, gum tissue and the underlying bone structure are broken down and destroyed.

The signs of periodontitis include red, swollen and bleeding gum tissue as well as:

• Enlarged gum pockets around your teeth
• Pus in between your teeth
• Receding gums that make your teeth appear to be longer
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose or shifting teeth

If not treated, periodontitis can lead to the need for extracting teeth. In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the United States.

Periodontal Therapy in Sarasota

To stop the advance of periodontitis, Parkway Ridge Dental offers periodontal therapy in Sarasota. The process is usually called a deep cleaning, but is technically known as scaling and root planing. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar—hardened plaque—from the surfaces of your teeth, both above and below the gum line. During root planing, tooth roots are smoothed so the surface is less receptive to sticky plaque. Dr. Hoffman may also choose to insert a topical antibiotic in gum pockets in order to kill any remaining bacteria.

For Gum Disease Treatment, Contact Parkway Ridge Dental

If your gums bleed or if you’re beginning to notice any of the signs of periodontitis, then call Parkway Ridge Dental in Sarasota, FL, and schedule an appointment.