A gum disease diagnosis is not as uncommon as you’d think. In fact, nearly half of American adults have the condition currently and the risk of developing it only increases as we age. Fortunately, our Hudsonville, MI, dentists offer a range of gum disease treatments should we detect any concerning symptoms during a thorough oral exam.

Learn more about why periodontal therapy matters for your smile below.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Gum disease can develop silently, but once it progresses to periodontitis, it’s no longer reversible with improved oral hygiene and the symptoms become harder to ignore. If left untreated, it can lead to serious oral health issues, including tooth loss. When you visit our Hudsonville, MI, dental office, our local gum disease dentists can identify how advanced your condition is and recommend the best course of treatment.

Going beyond gingivitis, common periodontitis symptoms include:

  • Red, swollen, or sore gums
  • Bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing)
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Pus between the teeth and gums
  • Pain while chewing
  • Receding gums or “longer” looking teeth
  • Bad breath
  • Change in how your dentures fit
  • Change in bite alignment

How Scaling and Root Planing Works

One of the treatments for gum disease that our dentists may recommend is scaling and root planing, which is a dental deep cleaning. People with periodontal disease often have deep gum pockets around their teeth, which fill up with food particles and plaque. To remedy this and better manage your condition, we can start by performing the scaling portion of the procedure which removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line.

Next, we will smooth out the root surfaces of your teeth to eliminate rough spots where bacteria collects. This smoothing also helps the gums reattach more securely to the teeth. Some tenderness and sensitivity are normal after the procedure, but these symptoms can usually be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medications.

Periodontal Maintenance

After treatments, our dentists will help you come up with an oral hygiene plan you can do at home to keep your mouth healthy. Our dentists will not only make sure you understand how to properly brush and floss your teeth but will also schedule you for professional teeth cleanings inside our office. Additionally, we may recommend certain products known to help people with periodontitis, like prescribed mouth rinses.

Schedule an Appointment

Our gum disease dentists in Hudsonville, MI, are dedicated to helping you regain oral health and get back to smiling confidently. To learn more and get started with an evaluation, call Hudsonville Dental today at (616) 209-4024 to schedule an appointment or contact us online.

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