Gum Health In Phoenix, AZ

• I’ve been told I have gum disease but my teeth don't hurt? What is gum disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It often develops slowly and doesn't cause pain in its early stages, which is why many people may not realize they have it until it's more advanced. Gum disease progresses in stages, and it’s caused by the buildup of plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) on your teeth and gums.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease has two main stages:

Gingivitis (early stage):

• This is the mildest form of gum disease.

• It involves inflammation of the gums, typically causing redness, swelling, and bleeding when you brush or floss.

• It is reversible with good oral hygiene and professional cleanings.

• No pain is usually felt at this stage, which is why it's easy to overlook

Periodontitis (advanced stage):

• If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to periodontitis. This is where the infection starts to affect the bone and tissue that support your teeth.

• The gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that trap more bacteria, leading to further damage.

• Over time, this can lead to bone loss, receding gums, and eventually, tooth loss.

• In more advanced cases, you might start experiencing symptoms like loose teeth, bad breath, or a bad taste in your mouth.

Why don't my teeth hurt if I have gum disease?

Gum disease typically doesn't cause pain until it has progressed to an advanced stage. The early stages (gingivitis) involve inflammation but no nerve damage, so you don’t feel pain. Even in more advanced periodontitis, you may not feel pain unless there is an acute infection or significant damage.

What are the signs of gum disease?

While pain is not a common early symptom, you may notice:

• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing.

• Red, swollen, or tender gums.

• Receding gums (gums pulling away from the teeth).

• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.

• Loose teeth or changes in your bite.

What causes gum disease?

The primary cause of gum disease is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed regularly through brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. The bacteria in plaque and tartar cause inflammation and infection in the gums.

How is gum disease treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of the disease:

1. Gingivitis: Reversible with better oral hygiene (brushing, flossing) and professional dental cleanings.

2. Periodontitis: Requires more intensive treatments, such as:

   • Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline.

   • Laser-assisted gum therapy to treat infected areas.

   • Localized antibiotic treatments and medicated gum irrigation to target bacterial infections.

   • Surgical interventions in severe cases, to clean deep pockets or restore lost gum and bone tissue.

Can gum disease be reversed?

• Gingivitis can be reversed with proper care.

• Periodontitis cannot be fully reversed, but it can be managed to prevent further damage.

Even though your teeth may not hurt now, it’s important to take action. Gum disease can progress silently but cause significant long-term damage. Regular dental visits and cleanings are essential to stop its progression and preserve your oral health.

• I know I have gum disease. It runs in my family. What things can I do to make sure I don’t lose my teeth like my parents did?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can lead to serious dental issues, including tooth loss, especially if it runs in your family. However, with proper care, you can significantly reduce the risk of tooth loss. Here are some things you can do to manage gum disease and maintain healthy teeth and gums:

1. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

• Brush your teeth twice a day: Use a soft-bristled electric toothbrush to brush gently for at least two minutes, focusing on the gum line where plaque builds up.

• Use fluoride toothpaste: This helps protect your teeth from decay and strengthens tooth enamel.

• Floss daily: Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth, where a toothbrush can’t reach.

• Consider using an interdental brush: These small brushes can clean between your teeth more effectively than floss, especially if your gums have receded.

2. Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings

• Visit your dentist regularly: Professional cleanings every 6 months (or more often if recommended) are crucial for removing plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing can’t remove.

• Deep cleanings (scaling and root planing): If gum disease has already progressed, your dentist may recommend these procedures to clean the root surfaces and reduce inflammation.

• Periodontal maintenance: After initial treatment, some people will benefit from more frequent  ongoing care to prevent further disease progression.

3. Use Mouthwash

• Antibacterial mouthwashes: These can reduce plaque and bacteria in your mouth, helping control gum inflammation.

• Fluoride rinses: If your dentist recommends it, use fluoride mouthwash to strengthen your teeth.

4. Quit Smoking or Vaping

• Smoking greatly increases the risk of gum disease and accelerates its progression. If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your gums and teeth.

5. Manage Medical Conditions

• Control diabetes: If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar levels well-controlled is essential, as high blood sugar can worsen gum disease.

• Monitor hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations (due to pregnancy, menopause, or birth control) can affect gum health, so be proactive about oral care during these times.

6. Eat a Balanced Diet

• Avoid sugary and acidic foods: These can feed harmful bacteria in your mouth and promote plaque formation.

• Eat gum-healthy foods: Leafy greens, crunchy vegetables (like celery and carrots), and foods rich in calcium (like dairy) help maintain healthy gums and teeth.

7. Consider Medications

• Prescription mouthwashes or antibiotics: If gum disease is severe, your dentist may prescribe medicated mouthwash or systemic antibiotics to help control the infection.

• Localized antibiotic therapy The placement of a small amount of specialized antibiotic gel placed deep in the periodontal pocket can help control the harmful bacteria of gum disease for a limited period of time to give treated tissues a better chance of healing.

8. Adjunctive Gum Procedures

• Laser Assisted Tissue Decontamination: Where there is heavy gum inflammation and diseased tissue, the focused beam of light of a dental laser can remove the dead tissue and allow healthy tissue to regrow.

9. Stay Consistent

• Consistency is key. Even if your gums feel healthy at times, gum disease can return if oral care routines slip. Regular attention to your oral health is essential.

By following these steps and working closely with your dentist, you can manage your gum disease and significantly reduce the risk of losing your teeth like your parents did. Early detection and consistent care are the best defenses.

• What are some tools and services your office provides to treat my gum disease? How often do I have to have dental cleanings?

At our office, we offer a range of advanced tools and services to help treat gum disease and maintain your oral health:

1. Laser-Assisted Gum Therapy: This minimally invasive treatment uses laser technology to target and remove diseased tissue, promoting faster healing and reducing discomfort compared to traditional methods.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide Carrier Trays: Custom made trays with detailed reservoirs are made for short term wear at hometo affect the oral bacterial by infusing oxygen into deep periodontal pockets.

3. Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing): We thoroughly clean below the gumline to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which helps halt the progression of gum disease.

4. Localized Antibiotic Treatment: In areas of advanced infection, we can apply antibiotics directly to the gums to help fight bacteria and promote healing.

5. Medicated Gum Irrigation: This involves flushing the gums with an antimicrobial solution to reduce bacterial infection and inflammation.

6. Ultrasonic Tooth Cleaning: We use ultrasonic scalers to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria more effectively than traditional hand instruments, especially for those with more severe gum issues.

7. Numbing Before Cleanings: For patients with sensitivity or discomfort, we offer numbing options to make cleanings more comfortable.

8. Sedation for Dental Cleanings: For those with anxiety or who need more extensive work, we provide sedation options to help you feel more relaxed during your dental cleaning.

How often do I need dental cleanings?

For patients with gum disease, we usually recommend cleanings every 3 to 4 months, rather than the standard 6 months. This more frequent schedule helps keep bacteria and plaque under control, preventing the progression of gum disease. However, the exact frequency depends on the severity of your condition, and your dentist will create a personalized plan based on your needs.

Regular care and consistent treatment are key to managing gum disease effectively!

• My teeth and gums don’t hurt but I was told I have gum disease. What can I do to reverse gum disease?

It’s common for gum disease (periodontal disease) to be painless in its early stages, but it’s important to address it before it progresses. Here are steps you can take to reverse gum disease and prevent further damage:

1. Improve Oral Hygiene at Home

• Brush twice daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean along the gumline where plaque accumulates.

• Floss daily: Flossing removes plaque between teeth that brushing can’t reach. Consider using interdental brushes or a water flosser for deeper cleaning.

• Use an antibacterial mouthwash: This can help reduce bacteria and plaque in your mouth.

2. Professional Dental Cleanings

• Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing): This procedure cleans below the gumline to remove plaque and tartar that lead to gum disease.

• Laser-Assisted Gum Therapy: Our laser treatment can target and remove diseased tissue with minimal discomfort, encouraging the gums to heal.

3. Target Bacteria

• Localized Antibiotic Treatment: In areas of more advanced infection, we can apply antibiotics directly to the gums to control bacterial growth.

• Medicated Gum Irrigation: This treatment involves flushing the gums with an antimicrobial solution to help reduce bacteria and inflammation.

4. Ultrasonic Tooth Cleaning

• We use ultrasonic tools to break up and remove hardened plaque (calculus) from your teeth and under your gums more efficiently than traditional methods.

5. Regular Checkups and Maintenance

• Frequent Cleanings: Patients with gum disease typically need cleanings every 3 to 4 months to keep bacteria at bay and prevent disease progression.

6. Consider Additional Comfort Measures

• Numbing Before Cleanings: If you’re concerned about discomfort during treatment, we offer numbing options to make your visits more comfortable.

• Sedation for Cleanings: For patients with anxiety or those requiring more extensive cleanings, we also offer sedation to help you feel relaxed.

Can gum disease be reversed?

In its early stage (gingivitis), gum disease can be reversed with proper care, both at home and in the dentist's office. However, in more advanced stages (periodontitis), the damage to the gums and bone may not be fully reversible, but treatment can stop further progression and preserve your teeth.

By sticking to a thorough oral hygiene routine and following up with professional treatments, you can effectively manage and potentially reverse early gum disease.

• Does gingivitis turn into gum disease? I brush and floss but I keep getting told I have gingivitis.

Yes, gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, and if left untreated, it can progress to more serious forms of gum disease (periodontitis). Gingivitis is caused by plaque buildup along the gumline, leading to inflammation, but at this stage, the damage is still reversible. With proper care, you can prevent it from advancing to periodontitis, which can cause permanent damage to the gums and the structures supporting your teeth.

Why do I keep getting gingivitis despite brushing and flossing?

There are several factors that can contribute to persistent gingivitis, even with good oral hygiene:

1. Incomplete Cleaning: Even if you brush and floss regularly, you may be missing some areas, particularly along the gumline or between teeth. Consider using:

   • Interdental brushes or a water flosser for a deeper clean.

   • Antibacterial mouthwash to reduce plaque-causing bacteria.

2. Plaque Hardening into Tartar: Plaque can harden into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning. If tartar is present, brushing and flossing alone won’t be enough to remove it, allowing gingivitis to persist.

3. Gum Sensitivity or Weakness: Genetics, certain medications, or conditions like diabetes can make your gums more prone to inflammation, even with proper care.

4. Inconsistent Professional Cleanings: Regular dental cleanings every 6 months (or more often if recommended) are important to remove tartar buildup and address gingivitis before it progresses.

5. Dry Mouth: A lack of saliva can contribute to plaque buildup, as saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria. Hydrating or using saliva substitutes can help.

How to prevent gingivitis from progressing to gum disease:

• Consider professional treatments: If you have persistent gingivitis, you may benefit from treatments like deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) or laser-assisted gum therapy to address areas that are difficult to clean at home.

• Regular dental cleanings: Even if you brush and floss well, professional cleanings every 3-4 months might be necessary to prevent tartar buildup and gingivitis.

• Address underlying conditions: If dry mouth, hormonal changes, or medications are contributing to your gum issues, talk to your dentist or doctor about ways to manage these factors.

Early action can help keep gingivitis under control and stop it from developing into more serious gum disease.

• What is a deep cleaning? I was told I need a deep cleaning but I don’t understand why or what it is?

A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a more intensive dental cleaning procedure designed to treat gum disease by removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline. It goes deeper than a regular cleaning and is essential when gum disease has started to affect the tissues supporting your teeth.

Why do I need a deep cleaning?

If you’ve been told you need a deep cleaning, it’s likely because of signs of gum disease, such as:

• Gingivitis or early gum disease: Plaque and tartar buildup have caused your gums to become inflamed, leading to tenderness, bleeding, and sometimes bad breath.

• Periodontal pockets: In more advanced stages of gum disease, the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets. These pockets can trap bacteria, leading to infection, bone loss, and eventually, tooth loss if untreated. A deep cleaning helps reduce these pockets and prevent further damage.

What happens during a deep cleaning?

A deep cleaning consists of two main parts: scaling and root planing.

1. Scaling: The dentist or hygienist will use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and below the gumline, where regular brushing and flossing can’t reach.

2. Root Planing: This step involves smoothing the tooth roots to help the gums reattach to the teeth and make it harder for plaque and bacteria to collect in the future. Smoother roots also promote healing and reduce gum inflammation.

Numbing and Comfort

If you're concerned about discomfort, don’t worry—deep cleanings are typically performed under local anesthesia, so the area is numbed to ensure comfort. Some offices, like ours, also offer numbing before cleanings or sedation options to help patients feel more relaxed during the procedure.

What are the benefits of a deep cleaning?

• Stops gum disease progression: By removing bacteria and tartar, a deep cleaning can prevent gum disease from worsening.

• Reduces inflammation: It helps eliminate infection and swelling in the gums, which can reduce bleeding and sensitivity.

• Promotes gum reattachment: Smoothing the roots encourages the gums to reattach to the teeth, reducing periodontal pockets.

• Protects against tooth and bone loss: If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and even damage the bone that supports your teeth. Deep cleaning helps prevent this.

How often will I need it?

The frequency of deep cleanings depends on how advanced your gum disease is. After the initial deep cleaning, your dentist may recommend more frequent maintenance cleanings (every 3-4 months) to prevent the recurrence of gum disease.

In summary, a deep cleaning is necessary when gum disease starts to cause more serious issues below the gumline. It's a key step to protect your teeth and gums from further damage and ensure long-term oral health.