Gum Disease Treatment in Ogden, Utah

Gum disease, also called periodontitis, is an infection of the gums. There are two types of gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis disease. Gingivitis is the first type of gum disease. This type of gum disease, if diagnosed and treated quickly, is reversible. We recommend that at Laurence Palmer DDS, patients visit us as soon as they sense a problem so that we can potentially reverse their gum disease. The second stage of gum disease is periodontitis, which is permanent.

Causes

There are many different causes of gum disease, from hormonal changes to illness to poor oral hygiene and habits. Below is more information on each cause of periodontal disease. 

Hormonal Changes: During menopause, pregnancy, or menstruation, women may experience more gum sensitivity and bleed of the gums. This is because, during these hormonal changes, there is more blood flow in the gums. 

Illness: Another cause is an illness. Many illnesses change the way the body uses sugar, making it more likely to develop cavities and periodontal disease. 

Medication: Medications can decrease the amount of saliva in the mouth, decreasing the mouth’s ability to clean itself out regularly. This can cause a sugar build-up and periodontal disease, and cavities.  

Poor Oral Hygiene: At Laurence Palmer DDS, we recommend that patients brush, floss, and use mouthwash twice a day. This will help clean out the mouth and protect it from sugar and bacteria build-up, which can cause cavities and periodontal disease. Additionally, we recommend patients visit our office every six months for a dental exam and cleaning. Last, we urge patients who smoke to stop smoking. This can protect your oral health and decrease your likelihood of developing periodontal disease. 

Symptoms 

Symptoms of periodontal disease are obverted. However, patients may not always visit a dentist when they notice them. It is crucial that if you have any of these dental concerns, call Laurence Palmer DDS. The first symptom of periodontal disease is swollen and bleeding gums. It is not normal for gums to bleed extensively, and if you have bleeding, you should visit our office. Another symptom is halitosis or bad breath. Next, gum disease causes receding of the gums and pockets to form between the teeth and the gums. If you notice that your gums are separating from your teeth or if your teeth are more movable, make an appointment with our office. 

Diagnosis 

Dr. Palmer will diagnose periodontal disease by listening to your symptoms and through an exam. If there are pockets between the teeth and gums, Dr. Palmer will measure these pockets. He will determine the severity of the condition based on the depth of these pockets. In the exam, he will also look for the mobility of the teeth and any jaw breakdown. 

Treatment 

Treatments for gum disease can range from non-surgical deep cleaning to surgical options. Your dental hygienist may perform a deep cleaning if you have gum disease in the earlier stages, such as gingivitis. Through this deep cleaning, the hygienist will perform scaling and root planing. This procedure roughly scrapes away plaque on the surface of the tooth and the root. The procedure may be done under local anesthetic to reduce potential pain. Surgical options include pocket reduction, bone, and soft tissue grafts, and bone surgery. For more information on surgical options for periodontal disease, contact Laurence Palmer DDS. 

How To Prevent Periodontal Disease

The best way to prevent gum disease is good oral hygiene and enjoying a balanced diet. Good oral hygiene begins with brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash twice a day. Then, we recommend that our patients visit Laurence Palmer DDS twice a year for a dental cleaning and exam. A healthy diet can prevent sugar from building up on your gums and teeth, causing decay. Foods with dairy and antioxidants can even strengthen your teeth and help prevent them from developing gum disease or cavities in the future. 

Preventing gum disease is important to maintain good oral health. At Laurence Palmer DDS, our goal is to help you maintain optimal oral health, from your gums to your teeth. For more information about preventing periodontal or gum disease, call our office today. We look forward to hearing from you.