Gum disease, or periodontal disease, develops when bacteria infect the gums. The disease will progress without treatment and lead to more issues. Millions of people have it, and it can lead to tooth loss. If it gets really bad, it can hurt the gums, teeth, and even the bone that keeps your teeth in place.

In most cases, the biggest risk factor for gum disease is because people don’t take care of their teeth and gums the right way. But the good news is that you can prevent gum disease. Going to the dentist for regular check-ups and taking care of your teeth at home can help you avoid it. LIFESmiles Dental can help you if you develop gum disease. We offer treatment for gum disease in Boise, ID.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar build up in your mouth. Plaque and tartar have bacteria that can infect your gums, leading to swollen and inflamed gums. These symptoms will create pockets under your gums where more bacteria will build up and spread. It also causes your gums to pull away from your teeth. If you don’t get help, the infection gets worse. Your gums might recede, and your teeth might become loose or even fall out. Gum disease also affects the bone under your gums.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

When you go to the dentist for a check-up, Dr. Garpetti or Dr. Hyder will carefully look at your gums to check for any signs of gum disease. You might not even know you have it at first during the early stage. However, finding it early is vital for oral health in the long term.

Going to your dentist regularly is the best way to catch gum disease early and treat it before it gets worse. If left untreated, gum disease can make your teeth and bones weak, and you might lose teeth. The goal is to keep your smile healthy and strong, so regular check-ups are crucial.

Common Signs of Gum Disease:

• Bad breath
• Swollen or tender gums
• Receding gum line
• Shifting teeth
• Changes in the bite
• Tooth sensitivity
• Bleeding gums
• Tooth loss

Inform Dr. Garpetti or Dr. Hyder if you notice any changes in gums, teeth, or oral health. These signs can be an indication of a developing form of periodontal disease.

Stages of Periodontal Disease

There are two basic stages of gum disease and you should know difference between the two. Catching the disease in the early stages makes it easier to treat, and your dentist can likely reverse it. The problem is that many people don’t know they have it until later stage. This is why going to the dentist regularly is vital to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Dentists can look for the early signs and stop it from becoming a bigger problem.

The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. If you do not treat gingivitis, it can turn into periodontitis, which is more serious. When gum disease reaches the severe stage, advanced periodontitis, it can even affect other parts of your health, so you need to pay attention to your gums and teeth.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. It happens when bacteria create pockets in your gums, causing bleeding, swelling, and making your gums pull away from your teeth. Your dentist can tell if you have it during your regular check-ups and recommend how to treat it. You might need to do some extra care at home and come to the office for special treatments. If you get gingivitis a lot, your dentist might want to see you more often for special cleanings.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is the later stage of gum disease, and it’s more serious. It causes permanent damage to your gums, weakens your teeth, and causes bone loss in the jaw. If you don’t get treatment, your teeth might become loose or fall out and your jawbone will begin to shrink. This stage needs really intensive treatment to try and fix all the damage and get your mouth healthy again.

Gum Disease Treatment in Boise, ID

It is very important to treat your periodontal disease as soon as you are diagnosed. This progressive disease can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, bone recession, facial regression, and stroke. Taking steps to improve the health of your gums is vital to your oral health and overall health as well.

We offer treatment for gum disease in Boise, ID, a restorative dentistry service. Dr. Garpetti and Dr. Hyder are experts at helping people with this problem and have lots of ways to make your gums and teeth healthy again.

First, your dentist will look at your teeth and gums to see how bad your gum disease is and what stage it’s in. Once they determine that, your dentist will make a treatment plan just for you. The goal is to get rid of all the tissue with damage and help your smile become healthy again.

Dr. Garpetti and Dr. Hyder will work with you to figure out which treatment is right for you.

• Antibacterial Rinses: This form of treatment is often recommended in the earliest stage of gum disease. Antibacterial rinses help remove harmful bacteria that may contribute to the progression of gum disease.
• Scaling and Root Planing: Scaling and root planing is an intensive deep cleaning of the teeth and gum line. The goal is to remove bacteria buildup from the gums.
• Laser Dentistry: In some cases, laser dentistry is an effective, non-invasive alternative to oral surgery. We use The Solea® Dental Laser to safely eliminate disease tissue. The Solea Dental Laser is a noiseless, anesthesia-free, effective solution for a wide range of dental concerns, including gum disease. Laser dentistry help promote the body’s natural healing response and encourages faster healing.
• Oral Surgery: In advanced cases of gum disease gum surgery may be needed to repair damaged gum tissue. Patients may need to undergo gums surgery, bone grafting, or other methods to restore health to their teeth and gums.

Schedule An Appointment for Periodontal Therapy in Boise, ID

If you are experiencing any sign of gum disease or you have not visited the dentist recently for a preventive care exam, visit our team at LIFESmiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Drs. Garpetti and Hyder offer a full range of periodontal therapy solutions to address various stages of gum disease. To schedule an appointment, call (208) 254-6365 or schedule an appointment online.