Gum Disease Fort Pierce, FL
Solutions for gum disease can help restore your overall oral health. Gum disease is largely preventable. However, if treatment is needed, you will need to see a dental professional.
Solutions for gum disease are available at Fort Pierce Smiles in Fort Pierce and the surrounding area. Take the first step toward recovery. Call us today at (772) 232-7073 to schedule an appointment and learn more.
Understanding Gum Disease and Its Causes
Gum disease is an oral health condition involving severe inflammation of the gingival tissue that surrounds and protects the teeth. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film that forms on the surface of the teeth and acts as a breeding ground for harmful bacteria to grow. A buildup of plaque causes inflammation that can progress into an infection.
Gum disease is a major cause of edentulous, or tooth loss, in adults. Other common complications that can arise from gum disease include advanced periodontal disease, respiratory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery disease, and problems controlling blood sugar in diabetes. As the mouth is a leading gateway to the rest of the body, bacteria from plaque buildup can travel through the bloodstream and affect the airways and other organs.
“Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film that forms on the teeth’s surfaces, and acts as a breeding ground for harmful bacteria to grow.”
Preventing Gum Disease
Although poor oral hygiene is the main cause of gum disease, there are a variety of risk factors that can increase an individual's chances of acquiring gum disease. These risk factors include:
- Smoking
- History of gingivitis
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Obesity
- Genetics
- Some types of medicines
However, as plaque is the greatest perpetrator, practicing adequate oral hygiene habits can prevent the development and progression of gum disease. We, along with most dentists, recommend that patients brush their teeth at least twice daily, floss at least once a day, and rinse preferably after every meal.
We suggest brushing, flossing, and rinsing after each meal for patients with early signs of gingivitis or developing gum disease. We will also recommend or prescribe the patient a special gum restorative system to use at home to nourish and restore the gums. It is highly crucial that patients visit their dentist for a routine biannual checkup and cleaning appointment to detect any early signs of gum disease and clean the oral cavity professionally.
“We suggest brushing, flossing, and rinsing after each meal for patients with early signs of gingivitis or developing gum disease.”
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease may go unnoticed for some time, especially as it is not always accompanied by pain. Even symptoms in the late stages of gum disease can be very subtle. It is crucial for patients to know the signs of gum disease, so they know how to identify them. Common symptoms of gum disease include but are not limited to:
- Changes in the bite
- Changes in the fit of partial dentures
- Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
- Gums that bleed after and during brushing teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Persistent bad breath or taste in the mouth
- Receding gums
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
Patients may still be afflicted by gum disease even without these symptoms. Some people, for instance, may only have gum disease that affects certain teeth. Our team can help identify any dental problems you may have.
“It is crucial for patients to know the signs of gum disease, so they know how to identify them.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Fort Pierce, FL
Treating Gum Disease
The earlier signs of gum disease are detected, the less invasive treatment procedures are. These may include antibiotics, root planing, and scaling. Antibiotics can help control infection and can be administered either topically or orally. Root scaling and planing are often performed together. While root planing smoothes the root surfaces to remove bacteria and discourage further buildup, root scaling removes tartar and bacteria from the tooth surfaces and beneath the gums.
More advanced gum disease may require more invasive solutions, such as oral surgery. Treatments may involve bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration, pocket reduction surgery (also known as flap surgery), soft tissue grafts, and tissue-stimulating proteins. Bone grafting and guided tissue regeneration may help promote bone regeneration. Pocket reduction surgery may allow for more effective root scaling and planing, while soft tissue grafts may reinforce damaged soft tissue. Finally, tissue-stimulating proteins may help stimulate the growth of healthy bone and tissue.
“The earlier signs of gum disease are detected, the less invasive treatment procedures are.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are the signs of gum disease?
Q. How can I treat gum disease?
Q. What is gum disease and what causes it?
Q. How can I prevent getting gum disease?
People Also Ask
Q. What can I do about receding gums?
Q. What lifestyle factors can trigger gum bleeding?
Q. Am I at high risk for developing oral cancer?
Q. What are the benefits of gum contouring?
Q. Where can I learn more about my dental diagnosis and treatment?
Q. What family members may need extra help with their oral hygiene?
Gum Disease Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of all adults in the United States have some form of periodontal disease.
“According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of all American adults suffer from some form of periodontal disease.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is gum disease curable?
A. Gum disease is reversible in mild to moderate cases in which the infection has not caused severe side effects, such as tooth loss. Periodontal disease, the advanced stage of gum disease, is not reversible. It is important to undergo treatment immediately after a diagnosis to prevent further progression of the disease.
Q. What is the link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease?
A. The mouth is one of the main entryways to the rest of the body and any bacteria, good or bad, travels through the airways to the respiratory system. Plaque is an extremely harmful bacteria that can clog arteries and the heart valves, causing cardiovascular problems.
Q. How can I treat gum disease at home?
A. There are many at-home treatments for gum disease today, including special tools and mouthwashes that help strengthen the gums and remove plaque. However, no at-home treatment trumps professional dental cleanings. We use medical-grade tools made especially for the teeth and gums and have the necessary training to combat oral disease and infection. Even a simple routine dental cleaning can reduce or eliminate gum disease by clearing the pockets and minimizing depths.
Q. How much does gum flap surgery cost?
A. Flap surgery, also called surgical pocket reduction, is considered a minor surgery. The surgery typically costs between $1,000 to $3,000 for patients paying out-of-pocket. Most insurance plans cover gum disease treatment as it is a severe condition that can put a patient's oral health at risk. We encourage patients to talk to their insurance provider to fully understand what their plan entails.
Q. What if gum disease is left untreated?
A. When gum disease goes untreated, the infection inevitably spreads and destroys more of the gums, underlying bone, and jaw. That is why loose teeth and tooth loss are common complications of the disease. Gum disease can also result in cardiovascular and respiratory issues as plaque travels through the mouth to the airways and valves within our other body systems.
Scan here to view this page, Gum Disease, on mobile
Gum Disease Terminology
Learn More Today
Gum disease may lead to worse oral health problems further along the line. We at Fort Pierce Smiles may be able to help. Call us today at (772) 232-7073 to schedule an appointment and learn more.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Fort Pierce Smiles was established in 2023.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Care Credit, Sun Bit, iCreditWorks, and In house financing
- We serve patients from the following counties: St. Lucie County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Fort Pierce, Fort Pierce South, White City, Fort Pierce North, St Lucie, Okeechobee, Hutchinson Island, and Vero Beach
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Fort Pierce Smiles on mobile
Back to top of Gum Disease
Related Posts
4 Reasons To Seek Out An Emergency Dentistry Office
Emergency dentistry can provide dental care during unexpected dental crises. Unfortunately, not all dentists can provide care at any time. That is why some people try to restore their own dental health at home. But the healthiest way to resolve a dental problem is to seek professional care.If patients want to know why they should…
Why You Should Go To An Emergency Dentistry Office To Treat A Tooth Injury
After experiencing a tooth injury, you have a better chance of saving your tooth if you go to an emergency dentistry office as soon as possible. Even if the tooth is knocked out, attempt to locate and bring along any tooth fragments. You are probably in a lot of pain if you have had a…
How Restorative Treatments Are Used By An Emergency Dentistry Office
Restorative treatments encompass a broad range of dental procedures designed to help patients recover oral health and self-esteem via improved aesthetics. Patients who have suffered oral damage due to tooth decay, gum disease, or trauma might benefit from restorative therapy. Visiting the emergency dentistry office as soon as possible is advisable to restore oral health…
Emergency Dentist: When To Seek Immediate Dental Care
Wondering when you should see an emergency dentist? Read on to learn more. Regular dental care can prevent emergency dental treatment. Unfortunately, dental emergencies do happen unexpectedly, even if you brush and floss regularly. In such cases, it is a great idea to visit an emergency dentist immediately.Many people do not know whether their dental…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Fort Pierce Smiles on mobile