Gum Disease Treatment

During your regular dental exams, our dentists and team will check your mouth for signs of periodontal disease. If you are diagnosed with this condition, we will work with you to determine the severity of the disease and create a treatment plan that will meet your needs and improve your oral health.

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a condition caused when the bacteria in plaque and calculus inflame and infect the gum tissues. When left untreated, the disease will continue to progress and cause significant damage, including gum recession, bone loss and tooth loss.

Common signs of gum disease include:

• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Easy bleeding of the gums, including during normal brushing and flossing or while eating
• Pain or discomfort when chewing, or other oral pain
• Persistent bad breath
• Gum recession
• Loose teeth
• Changes in your bite or in the fit of oral appliances
• Sores in your mouth
• Pus between your gums and teeth

There are a number of treatment options available depending on your needs. These include additional professional cleanings, improved at-home oral hygiene, antibiotic therapy, scaling and root planing (deep cleanings) and gum surgery such as the Pinhole® Technique. Our dentists will evaluate your mouth and discuss your treatment options with you to create a personalized treatment plan that will fight the harmful bacteria in your mouth and help you regain your oral health.

Gum Disease & Your Health

Oral and overall health are more closely connected than most people realize. Gum disease has been linked to a number of systemic conditions, and if you are diagnosed with gum disease your risk of developing or exacerbating a serious medical condition increases. Some of the conditions linked to gum disease include:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Respiratory disease
• Osteoporosis
• Pregnancy complications

This makes it crucial that you take steps to maintain good oral health and receive treatment for gum disease promptly if you are diagnosed.

The best way to prevent gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene at home – you should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Ideally, you should brush after each meal and before going to bed at night. Please continue to make and keep regular appointments for dental cleanings and exams twice a year or as directed by our dentists. This will allow us to provide preventive care and monitor your oral health so that gum disease or other conditions can be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

We invite you to call Chestnut Family Dentistry today at 828-255-0936 to learn more about gum disease treatment in Asheville, North Carolina, and schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Wendy Willoughby or Dr. Teresa Bare. We are dedicated to helping you enjoy a healthy mouth and smile.