Expert and Professional Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease or gingivitis is widespread. Over the course of their life, almost everybody will have to deal with it at some point. In fact, three out of four teeth lost after the age of 35 are lost due to gum disease. Luckily, if you’re suffering from issues with your gums, Dakota Dental can help.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease (otherwise known as gingivitis or periodontal disease, depending on the stage) is an inflammation or infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth, such as your gums and tooth sockets. It’s caused by a build-up of plaque on your teeth and along the gum line. Plaque comes from the bacteria that live in your mouth and subsist on the food and drinks you have. Plaque allows this bacteria a place to thrive and multiply, exacerbating gum disease.

Dakota Dental offers a range of gum disease treatments, depending on how advanced your symptoms are.

Gum Disease Symptoms

At first, the symptoms of gum disease, otherwise known as gingivitis, can include: 

• • Bleeding or irritated gums
  • Redness or swollen gums 
  • Pus between teeth and gums
  • Persistent bad breath

If gum disease is untreated, it can lead to a more advanced condition called periodontitis. Periodontitis symptoms can include: 

• • Permanent teeth that are loose or have moved positions
  • Receding gums
  • Tooth loss 
  • Bad taste in the mouth 
  • Other oral hygiene issues

The key is diagnosing and watching for gum disease early before it becomes a more complicated, painful, and expensive issue. 

Gum Disease Treatment

Treating gingivitis can be tricky unless you turn to the professionals. When you visit Dakota Dental, we’ll take every precaution to clear your gums of bacteria and harmful plaque build-up. We employ both nonsurgical and surgical options, depending on how far the disease has progressed and your overall health. 

Nonsurgical treatments: 

• • Scaling 
  • Antibiotics
  • Root planning

Surgical treatments:

• • Pocket reduction surgery 
  • Guided tissue regeneration

Our Dakota Dental team will assess your individual circumstances before making official recommendations. Along the way, we’re happy to answer any questions that come up. 

Is There a Gum Disease Cure? 

A gum disease cure depends on the stage of the disease. Gingivitis can be cured with proper cleaning and care. Unfortunately, once it’s progressed into periodontitis, there is no gum disease cure. Once you have it, the only thing left to do is manage it so it doesn’t become worse. Preventative measures can help slow down or eliminate issues. 

How to Prevent Periodontal Disease

The best way to promote healthy gums is consistent and thorough prevention:

• • Proper brushing twice a day, preferably with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Daily flossing with proper techniques.
  • Regular professional dental cleanings (every six months is recommended).
  • Drinking plenty of water.
  • Avoiding too many sugary drinks or snacks. 
  • If you wear dentures, cleaning them every day. 

If you think you have gum disease, make an appointment with a professional dental team right away. 

Schedule an Appointment at Dakota Dental

Maintain strong tooth and gum health before gum disease becomes too rampant. Gum disease treatment and dental work for advanced stages can become increasingly expensive and complex. Visit the Dakota Dental Clinic in Apple Valley, Minnesota, to begin your gum disease prevention or management regimen today.

Schedule Your Appointment Now!