Periodontics

Periodontics & Treatment in Aurora, CO

What is Gum Disease?

When bacteria infect your teeth above the gum line, the result is often a cavity. Below the gum line, though, this infection can cause periodontal disease. Commonly referred to as gum disease, this condition is actually fairly common and is easily treatable.

Gum disease often starts out as gingivitis, when your gums start to bleed more easily and pull away from your teeth. They eventually form pockets that make it easier for the disease to progress.

8 Important Symptoms & Warning Signs

The warning signs of periodontitis include:

• Gingivitis – treating gingivitis before it progresses to periodontal disease can save you time and money. Gingivitis is treatable with increased oral hygiene practice.
• Bleeding gums – Your gums bleeding when you brush your teeth isn’t normal. If they continue to bleed even after you brush and floss regularly, you may already have gum disease.
• Bad breath – Oral bacteria that are attracted to plaque produce an odor that can be detected on your breath. 
• Gum recession – Your gums will begin to pull away from your teeth, eventually forming pockets.
• Gum pockets – Pockets are spaces around your teeth that can eventually deepen and make it easier for more bacteria to live under your gum tissue.
• Bone loss – If periodontal disease goes untreated, bone loss can result from bacteria reaching your teeth roots and jawbone. These bacteria can erode your exposed bone tissue and lead to tooth loss and bone craters, as well as severe bone deterioration.
• Abscess formation – An abscess is a localized collection of pus. Periodontal abscesses are related to infection of the pulp of the tooth, infection of the gum and tissues surrounding the tooth, or a combination of both. If periodontal abscesses are left untreated they can spread to become facial infections.
• Loose teeth/Difficulty eating – Advanced stages of periodontal disease will begin to make your teeth loose, even causing difficult or painful eating. Your teeth may eventually fall out.

Gum Disease Treatment

Thankfully, treatment for gum disease isn’t difficult. There are several methods of treatment, but the most common is scaling and root planing, also called deep cleaning. Deep cleanings can get the bacterial infection out of your gums and protect your tooth roots from further harm.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is often the result of poor dental hygiene. Bacteria that infect your teeth feed on plaque, which builds up when it isn’t cleaned off.

• What’s the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is one of the earliest stages of periodontitis. At this stage, your oral health can usually be improved and damage reversed through regular brushing and flossing, as well as routine dental cleanings.

• What if I leave my gum disease untreated?

If your gum disease goes untreated, you’ll need more invasive and costly procedures. You can put your health in danger of an abscessed tooth, which can become a serious and deadly infection. Your teeth could also fall out, meaning you’d need tooth replacements.

• What’s the best mouthwash to prevent gum disease?

When paired with a regular oral hygiene routine consisting of daily brushing and flossing, any mouthwash is likely to help prevent gum disease. At your examination, Dr. Wolbaum may be able to recommend a specific type for you.

Learn More About Gum Disease

Treating your gum disease doesn’t have to be a hassle. For more information about gum disease and its treatment, call our Aurora dental office at (303) 766-8811. You can also fill out our convenient online contact form and we’ll be right with you.