Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in American adults. there are several symptoms of gum disease, and loose gums is one of the more serious ones.
If you are experiencing loose gums, it could be because the gum disease has developed into severe periodontitis. Seek dental treatment immediately.
Periodontal disease is preventable and reversible in its earliest stages, but when it develops into periodontitis and severe periodontitis, it is only able to be maintained.
Continue reading to learn about the signs and symptoms, treatments, and maintenance of gum disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
There are three stages of gum disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Each stage presents its own set of signs and symptoms.
Gingivitis
Gum disease begins when there is an imbalance of bacteria in the mouth. This is often caused by poor oral hygiene when plaque builds up around the gumline and infiltrates the gums. however, gum disease can also be caused by one or more of the following factors:
- Tobacco use
- Stress
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Medications
- Systemic diseases
- Aging
- Genetics
No matter the cause, the symptoms remain the same. During this first stage of gum disease, the most common symptom is bleeding or irritated gums and bad breath.
Periodontitis
The next stage of gum disease is periodontitis. As the disease progresses, the bacteria invade the tooth root and begin attacking the soft and hard tissues of the mouth. This is when patients begin to experience loose gums along with gum recession, loose teeth, and dissolving bone structure.
Advanced Periodontitis
During this final stage, patients will likely experience exaggerated symptoms of ones we’ve already mentioned along with the following symptoms:
- Pus between gums and teeth
- Sores in the mouth
- Tooth loss
Our hope is that patients receive treatment before experiencing any of these symptoms. No matter the stage of gum disease, our dentist offers a solution.
Treatments for Loose Gums and Gum Disease
Scaling and root planing is one of the most common treatments for gum disease. This is used in the earliest stages of the disease and is effective for stopping the progression as well as eliminating the disease if it’s in the first stage.
At Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale also offers several other treatments that will keep the disease stabilized and maintained and undo any damage it has caused.
Our gum disease treatments include:
- Laser gum surgery
- Laser pocket decontamination
- Gum grafts
- Gum tissue regeneration
- Bone grafting
Visit our “Periodontal Disease Treatments” page to learn more about these treatments.
At-Home Maintenance
If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, there are several things you can do at home to avoid further development of the disease.
We recommend these guidelines so patients can avoid loose gums and tooth loss in the future:
- Create a good oral hygiene routine
- Eat a healthy diet
- Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco
- Visit the dentist every six months
Contact Us for Loose Gums Treatment
Our Austin Laser Dentist offers minimally invasive treatments for patients with gum disease. Her use of dental lasers, other modern dental technologies, experience, and skill ensures each patient receives excellent and expert care.
Don’t wait any longer to gain a healthy, beautiful smile. Contact our office today at (512) 346-4690 to schedule your initial consultation.
