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Gum Disease Treatment Spokane Valley, WA Patients diagnosed with periodontal disease have a lot to deal with. In its latter stages, gum disease cannot be cured, only treated. Regular teeth cleaning services can make a significant difference in managing this condition. Gum disease is a progressive disease, that typically starts due to inadequate oral hygiene. Skipping flossing here or brushing there might not have felt like it mattered much at the time, but in actually it does. Without proper, and consistent, brushing and flossing, the bacteria that naturally occur in the mouth can get a foothold in the oral cavity, and once established, can easily develop into periodontal (gum) disease. You may be imagining overly invasive and long treatment procedures to treat and care for the disease. While some patients do require such treatments, others do not. Non-surgical gum disease treatments are available, and are generally suited for the early stages of the disease. This is why early diagnosis of gum disease is so important. In its earliest stages, periodontal disease can be reversed and even cured, but once it advances to later stages, complete reversal becomes impossible. At this point, gum disease can only be monitored and treated. It is important for patients to continue regularly flossing and brushing their teeth even after being diagnosed with periodontal disease, as well as performing self-examinations. Professional periodontal maintenance services are essential for managing the condition long-term. For patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease and are looking for guidance, please contact or visit Grins & Giggles Family Dentistry! Understanding Gum DiseaseOne of the leading dental problems is gum disease, which involves the destruction of soft tissue and can spread further to the bone. For gum disease, periodontal maintenance and care are crucial, as they help prevent further dental problems and associated risks. To prevent gum disease, Spokane Valley residents should take proactive steps with regular dental care. As a preventive measure, ensure that you attend your regular dental appointments and exams. Seek help from us, and be sure to ask questions, any time you feel something with your mouth or gums isn't right. Common Causes of Gum DiseaseOral HygieneImproper dental hygiene procedures are the leading factors causing gum disease. Poor oral hygiene leads to plaque and tartar accumulation and bacteria buildup. Without early treatment, these problems can spread, affecting more of your gums. This doesn't imply that everyone with gum disease is lacking in their oral hygiene, as there are other causes. Teeth AlignmentAnother factor is dental orientation, such as crossed or crooked teeth, which inhibits proper care through brushing as plaque tends to accumulate faster than with normal dental formation. Our gum disease experts in Spokane Valley can help address these challenges. Underlying Health ConditionsUnderlying health conditions like poor saliva production, cancer, and certain medications also affect the gums by impairing the healing process. Treating these factors involves managing the underlying conditions. It is crucial to avoid or manage stress, as it can inhibit immune responses and gum healing. Lifestyle ChoicesSmoking inhibits the gum's healing process after treatment or an injury, prolonging recovery time. Signs and Symptoms of Gum DiseaseBefore your next routine appointment, it's possible to identify at home if your gums are experiencing symptoms of gum disease. To prevent gum disease, our Spokane Valley dental professionals suggest watching for the warning signs. If you observe any of these symptoms, you should visit us for an examination, dental cleaning and treatment: sore gums with redness, production of pus, consistent bad breath, loose teeth, visible plaque, or changes in how your dentures fit. Treatment Options for Gum DiseaseNon Surgical Gum Disease TreatmentsWhen patients are in the initial stages of periodontal disease, non-surgical treatments can work very well. Our Spokane Valley clinic provides various non-invasive options for treating gum disease. One such treatment is antibiotics. Since periodontal disease is caused by bacteria, sometimes antibiotics are enough to stop the disease in its tracks. Other options are root planing and root scaling. Both of these involve the removal of bacteria from the tooth roots. Root scaling scrapes the bacteria, tartar, and plaque from below the gum surface, keeping teeth clean. Root planing involves smoothing out the root so there are no crevices for bacteria to cling to. Surgical Treatments for Gum DiseaseIn cases where more than non surgical procedures are needed, we can perform surgical treatments such as gum flap surgery, gum grafting, crown lengthening, and gingivectomy to treat your gum disease. Regular Brushing and FlossingBrushing at least twice a day and flossing once daily is one of the most essential routines to follow in protecting against gum disease. Eat a Balance DietEnsuring that you eat a balanced diet while avoiding hard foods will help maintain healthy gums. Regular Dental Cleanings and Exams in Spokane ValleyPatients should supplement their regular home oral care routines with regular professional teeth cleanings at our office. Periodontal Maintenance and CareYou should observe regular periodontal maintenance and care requirements like visiting the dentist every six months. We can help ensure you are receiving the proper gum disease management. Treating Gum Disease in Spokane Valley, WAPatients who would like to learn more about gum disease treatments should contact our office by calling Grins & Giggles Family Dentistry at (509) 928-4746. We will set up an appointment with you where we can discuss the details in person. |