Commonly known as periodontal disease, gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss but it can easily be treated if caught early on. If you notice any of the symptoms listed below, call Lindner Dental and we’ll gladly take a look.

Signs & Symptoms of Gum Disease

• Bleeding gums
• Red, tender or swollen gums
• Gums are pulling away from the teeth
• Chronic bad breath
• Noticeably different bite
• Loose teeth

Cause of Gum Disease

Gum disease develops when plaque isn’t fully removed from the gum lines. Bone and gum tissue can get destroyed from the bacteria found in plaque. Sugary foods actually feed bacteria which leads to oral gum disease.

Brushing your teeth multiple times a day is always beneficial but not when it comes to completely removing plaque. You must floss your teeth every day! Tartar will build up on the teeth if plaque is not removed. When tartar is left on the teeth, it can lead to infection and inflammation which causes gum disease.

Major risk factors of gum disease include:

• Chewing tobacco
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Crooked teeth
• Broken fillings

Diagnosing Gum Disease

At the dentist, you’ll have your gums probed with a ruler to check for inflammation. This measures the pockets around your teeth. The normal depth should be one to three millimeters.

When you work with Lindner Dental, we’ll help determine whether you’re at risk for gum disease. If you do have gum disease, we will gladly refer you to a periodontist.

Treating Gum Disease

You must practice regular oral hygiene and eliminate smoking if possible. Practice deep cleaning such as scaling to remove tartar above and below the gum line. Also, root planning smooths rough spots and lasers can be used to remove tartar with less pain.

There are several medications that can also be used such as an antibiotic mouthwash, antibiotic microspheres, oral antibiotics and doxycycline.

Contact Lindner Dental at 603.624.3900 if you feel you may have gum disease.