Gum disease is often without pain, so you may not even be aware that you have it. If you have not been receiving regular dental checkups, there is a strong possibility that periodontal disease could exist and will progress further until the effects are irreversible. The keys to preventing periodontal disease are diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms of periodontal/gum disease may be difficult to spot. Because gum disease is generally painless, you need to be on the lookout for possible signs of periodontal disease.
With the first stage of periodontal disease you will notice your gums bleeding easily from flossing and brushing. Your gum tissue is inflamed as a result of the bacteria in the plaque. In the early stages, this is a very treatable disease. You have not lost any gum tissue. The second stage of periodontal disease is much more serious. Not all gingivitis will progress to periodontitis, but it certainly can happen without preventative dental treatments. When periodontitis happens, your gums become infected, leading to bleeding gums, pus pockets and your gums recede; leading ultimately to loose teeth that may fall out or need to be pulled by your dentist.
Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the gum disease. Non-surgical deep cleaning/ root planning/ scaling involves getting deep into the gum pockets to eradicate bacteria. During this deep cleaning local anesthetic may be used to ensure your complete comfort through this periodontal treatment. The tartar is gently scaled away from your teeth. Stains and mineral deposits are removed. Plaque is eliminated as the dentist targets the affected tissue, by scaling the root of the tooth. Prescribing of an antibiotic to fight the bacteria at the source of your periodontal disease. If this is the chosen treatment, an antibiotic would be placed inside the gum pockets, at the site of the infection.