Gum Disease

Gum Disease

You never want to think about gum disease, but it must be considered when it happens. If you have ever moved your tongue around and found pockets of swelling gums within your mouth, it’s important to talk to us immediately.

Infections are quite common, but they are not an issue if they are found and treated right away. Whether found through self-assessment or at our clinic, treating gum disease is our specialty.

The adept team at Elevate Smiles Dental in Tampa, FL, is proud to serve the local community with state-of-the-art dental care services, including treating gum disease, so you can have confidence in living your best life.

What is Gum Disease?

The key question to answer is, how do I know I have (or am at risk of) gum disease?

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It starts with plaque – that sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth that you can feel if you run your tongue over your tooth before brushing.

If this film isn’t removed, plaque can harden into tartar, which irritates your gums and teeth. This irritation can lead to inflammation, redness, and bleeding gums – the early stages of gum disease.

Some Signs You Can’t Ignore

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to see the team at Elevate Smiles Dental in Tampa, FL:

• Bleeding gums
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Excessive Bad breath
• Loose tooth or teeth
• Receding gums
• Changes in how your teeth fit together

Treatment Options: Your Path to Recovery

The good news is that gum disease is treatable, no matter how far it has progressed.

We will adjust the treatment plan, which will depend on the severity of your condition.

Here are some common treatments that we offer, but not limited to:

• Scaling and Root Planing: This deep cleaning removes tartar and plaque buildup above and below the gumline.
• Gum Surgery: In more advanced cases, surgery might be necessary to reduce gum pockets, regenerate bone tissue, or improve tissue access for better cleaning. We will recommend the best course of action in this case and schedule a convenient and timely time.
• Antibiotics: Sometimes, antibiotics are prescribed to help control the infection. It’s essential to follow the recommended dosage and finish the antibiotic treatment, even if the infection has subsided in the middle of treatment.
• Laser Therapy: This advanced therapy can help reduce bacteria and promote healing. Lasers are incredibly accurate and cause minimal discomfort for any precise remedies.

Prevention is Key: Keep Those Gums Healthy

The best way to fight gum disease is to prevent it from occurring. When brushing your teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Remember to floss as flossing reaches those hard-to-reach areas where your toothbrush can’t. In addition to brushing and flossing, schedule routine checkups and cleanings with our team.

Smoking increases your risk of gum disease. Smoking cessation or reduction can greatly improve oral health over time.

Conditions like diabetes can affect your gum health, so focusing on things you can control, such as diet, exercise, and dropping bad habits, will help you in the long run.

Your Quality Dental Clinic

Gum disease is something that must be taken seriously. Your gums provide a supporting structure for your teeth and can get infected if they don’t receive proper care and attention.

In addition to flossing, brushing, and taking care of your teeth at home, professional attention and cleaning are necessary to remove all bacteria and plaque that can get trapped between the gums.

We look forward to helping you move forward on your oral health and smile goals. Our team is here to help.

During your next appointment with the trained team at Elevate Smiles Dental in Tampa, FL, you can be sure you are receiving the best possible care and guidance that you and your family deserve.