Do your gums bleed every time you brush your teeth? Do they hurt when you eat certain hot or cold foods?
Healthy gums are the foundation for a healthy mouth. Recent studies have shown an association between gum disease and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. Dr. Petkevis knows that prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and other periodontal concerns are essential to a patient’s overall health and well-being. Moreover, Dr. Petkevis provides restorative dentistry treatments to his patients in Chester Springs, PA.
What Causes Gum Disease?
The leading cause of gum disease is the build-up of plaque on your teeth. Other contributing factors may include teeth grinding, TMJ dysfunction, tobacco use, hormonal changes (as in pregnancy or menopause), and poor nutrition. We can determine the cause of your bleeding gums with a comprehensive dental exam.
Sometimes, the root cause can be something that is not under your control. We are a judgment-free dentist office in Chester Springs, PA. Our goal is to fix your issue as effectively and accurately as possible.
Common signs of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, or sore gums
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Mouth sores or pus between gums and teeth
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Changes in the fit of dentures
If you experience any of the above symptoms of gum disease, it’s time to schedule your next dental visit. Dr. Petkevis is a thorough dentist with years of experience treating bleeding gums.
How To Prevent Gum Disease
The best and most effective way to prevent gum disease is proper home care and frequent visits to a dental professional. Regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings will significantly reduce plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth. Dr. Petkevis and his dental hygienists will monitor your gum health.
During routine visits, we carefully screen for any signs of gum disease before it causes gum irritation and gum damage. We will review your medical history with you, and determine the root of the cause. Sometimes, certain medications can be the culprit. It is important to talk to your general physician or doctor about medication symptoms.
If caught early, gum disease is easily treatable. Treatments in the early stages offer more quick and effective results. We provide education on proper at-home oral hygiene so you can be an active participant in keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
OralDNA® Labs
Dr. Petkevis utilizes the services of OralDNA Labs to screen and treat patients. OralDNA Labs provides salivary diagnostic testing for gum disease. Dr. Petkevis will take a saliva sample and send it to OralDNA Labs to see if a patient is at risk for developing periodontitis, dental caries, and even oral cancers. Testing patients early can provide an early diagnosis and prevent more serious symptoms from developing.
Gum Disease Treatments in Chester Springs, PA
Depending on your gum disease symptoms, Dr. Petkevis offers several gum disease treatment options. Patients with early signs of gum disease may benefit from intensive teeth cleaning, known as scaling and root planing. During this procedure, the dentist will remove plaque and tartar from the deep pockets of your infected gums.
Patients who have advanced signs of gum disease may be treated with laser dentistry. The dental laser carefully targets diseased gum tissue, cauterizing it with a sterile beam of laser energy.
The only way to know which treatment will be most effective is to visit Dr. Petkevis at his Chester Springs dentist office near you. Schedule a worry-free exam today.
Gum Disease FAQs
What will happen if I delay treatment for gum disease?
If Dr. Petkevis diagnoses you with gum disease, you should be treated immediately. Periodontal disease is a progressive disease and will continue to affect your gums. This can lead to serious harm to your gums and eventually spread to the bone. Gum disease can cause tooth loss if not promptly and properly treated. Also, the longer you wait, the more costly your treatment will be.
What is the difference between plaque and tartar?
Plaque is a sticky substance that constantly forms on your teeth. It is filled with bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum irritation. It should be removed with regular brushing and flossing. If the plaque is not regularly removed, it can harden into a substance called tartar.
Tartar is a hard substance that can only be removed by a dental hygienist using special tools. Tartar buildup can lead to serious complications with your oral health. This is why you should have your teeth professionally cleaned every six months.
Can I reverse gum disease?
You can reverse early signs of gum disease, including bleeding gums. Once gingivitis, or gum inflammation, progresses, you will need professional treatment for chronic gum disease. You cannot eliminate moderate to severe gum disease, but it is manageable with continual treatment.
Does scaling and root planing hurt?
The procedure itself should not hurt. Dr. Petkevis will numb your gums to ensure your comfort. However, your gums will be tender, and you may feel a little pain after treatment. We will give you specific instructions for handling this after the procedure. The minor discomfort you will feel greatly outweighs the painful and expensive consequences of avoiding treatment.
Does genetics impact the chance of developing gum disease?
Genetics are a risk factor for gum disease. Some patients with gum disease have gum problems because of their family history. However, preventative care can keep gum disease and check or prevent you from encountering symptoms altogether.
Can you spread gum disease?
While kissing, sharing drinks, or using the same utensils can spread harmful bacteria from person to person, it alone will not cause gum disease. Gum disease is not transferable if you have a good oral hygiene routine.