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Gum Disease: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis, more commonly called gum disease or periodontal disease, begins with bacterial growth in your mouth. If left untreated, the bacteria can cause inflammation and other issues leading all the way to tooth loss. Gum disease could progress painlessly without displaying any obvious signs or symptoms (even during later stages). Its silent progression is what makes gum disease so dangerous. Regular checkups are one way to catch gum disease during the earliest and most easily treated stages of the ailment. And while symptoms of gum disease are usually subtle, the condition isn’t entirely devoid of warning signs. These may include:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Constant bad breath or foul taste in the mouth
  • Rapidly receding gums
  • The formation of deep pockets between your gums and teeth
  • Loose or shifting teeth

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Common Causes of Gum Disease

Plaque is the main cause of gum disease. That said, there are many other factors that can contribute to the development of Periodontal Disease. These leading factors include but are not limited to:

  • A family history of dental diseases can be contributing factors to the development of gingivitis.
  • Cancer, diabetes, HIV, and other immunosuppressive conditions that impact the health of your gums
  • Hormonal changes that cause the gums to be more sensitive and prone to gingivitis
  • Some drugs like Dilantin, Procardia, and Adalat can cause abnormal growth of gum tissue
  • Smoking and other bad habits that make it harder for gum tissue to repair itself
  • Poor oral hygiene

Treatment Options

If you haven’t noticed any major symptoms but suspect that you may be suffering from gum disease, schedule an appointment to be on the safe side. Our dental team is highly experienced and can spot even the very first initial indications of problems, helping you address them early before they become larger issues. Some treatment options include: Professional dental cleaning, scaling and root planing, pocket reduction surgery, bone grafts, soft tissue grafts, guided tissue regeneration and bone surgery.

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Our dentists and the hygiene department are well-experienced in treating all stages of gum disease.

Don’t let your career and personal life be negatively impacted by gum disease and associated issues like halitosis and tooth decay or loss. Give our office a call to schedule a periodontal examination and FREE smile assessment today!

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What To Expect

When treating gum disease, the main goal is to promote the reattachment of healthy gums to your teeth. Reducing swelling, the depth of the pockets, and the chances of infection are also prioritized alongside stopping the progression of the disease. Treatment options may vary depending on the stage of the disease. We will work with you to find the best fit for your situation.

Nonsurgical therapies aim to control bacterial growth. If that doesn’t work, you might need to undergo oral surgery to restore the supportive tissues. For some patients, the nonsurgical procedure of scaling and root planing is sufficient to treat gum disease.

Post Treatment Care

If you end up going with the scaling and root planing route, you’ll notice a reduction in the redness, swelling, and bleeding of your gum tissue. Your gum health should be maintained via proper oral hygiene and regular appointments. You may experience initial pain and discomfort but it will subside over the course of a few days.

Your teeth may be sensitive to temperature and sweets for the first two to three days. If the pain is severe, just give us a call so we can prescribe some medication. Your comfort is our priority.

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Call our Melbourne office to get started! Our experienced dentists have been proudly serving the Melbourne community for over 10 years.

Together with the highly experienced and caring staff, we’ll be happy to discuss your condition and answer questions you may have and make you feel at home during every visit.

Call our office today and book an appointment at your convenience. You can also choose your appointment by using our online scheduler.

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If you'd like to learn more about the dental services offered at our dental practice, contact our office in Melbourne today to schedule a FREE Consultation & smile assessment.

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Additional Services

Our dental clinic offers restorative and cosmetic dental services. No matter what your dental concerns are, our experienced dental team can provide the services you need.

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Invisalign

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Dental Implants

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*Results may vary from person to person. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risk. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.