Symptoms of Gum Disease
You may have gum disease if:
- Your gums bleed during or after you finish brushing.
- Your gums feel swollen and tender.
- Your gums appear discolored or reddened.
- Your teeth shift or feel loose.
- Pockets form around your teeth.
- Your feel a change in your bite.
- You have pus between your teeth and gums.
- Your gums pull away from your teeth.
- You have persistent bad mouth that seems untreatable.
Periodontal Therapy
The earlier gum disease is diagnosed, the sooner it can be treated. Early stages of gum disease can be treated with scaling and root planing. With this procedure, the bacteria is removed above and below the gum line. An antibiotic (Arestin®) can be added into the pockets of the gums to facilitate healing. Patients who have, or have had, gum disease will need to see their dentist for more frequent appointments to ensure the disease is monitored and maintained.
Patients who have severe gum disease may need more aggressive therapies, which may include laser and/or surgical interventions. Dr. Mitschke will determine if a referral to a periodontist is necessary to treat and control the disease.
For more information on gum disease, please visit the website of the American Acadamy of Periodontology at www.perio.org.