Gum disease, or periodontitis, gradually breaks down the gum tissue. Harmful bacteria in the mouth create plaque, a bacterial film that hardens over time to form tartar or calculus. This bacteria irritates and inflames the gums. Over time, patients can notice problems like gum recession and even loose teeth if they do not receive proper treatment. Treating gum disease early on can stop these problems and renew gum and tooth health. Smiles by Mia offers periodontal disease treatment to patients in Burke, VA.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Patients with gum inflammation or gum disease can experience:
- Gum sensitivity and pain
- Bleeding gums when brushing and flossing
- Purple or reddish gums
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
Please call our office if you or a loved one has noticed gum disease. We will work with you to find the best periodontal disease treamtent in our Burke, VA office for your symptoms.
Gum disease has many stages. In the early stages of gum disease, we can easily reverse symptoms. Addressing symptoms without surgery or more invasive treatment becomes more difficult as gum disease progresses.
The Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease cycles through different stages, increasing in severity as it goes. The earlier you notice an issue and seek treatment, the less invasive the treatment options are.
Gingivitis
This is the first stage of gum disease and the only one we can reverse. It occurs when you neglect regular oral healthcare, causing bacteria and debris buildup. This turns into plaque and tartar, coating your teeth. When this is happening at the gumline, these bacteria irritate the soft tissue, causing it to get red and inflamed. The most prominent sign you’ll notice is bleeding gums. Many adults suffer from gingivitis and may not even know it. The warning signs aren’t painful and may be hard to notice.
One of the reasons regular dentist visits are important is that we’re trained to pick up on these warning signs. We use more intensive oral healthcare to treat gingivitis. Instead of just coming into our office for a cleaning twice a year, we’ll bring you in more often. You’ll need to brush diligently at home, too. We may provide you with an antimicrobial mouthwash to lessen the number of bacteria in your mouth.
Mild Periodontal Disease
In this stage, the bacteria get more aggressive and start to attack your jawbone. No longer reversible, the disease can only be managed after this point. Pockets form in between your gum tissue and jawbone, filling with bacteria and debris. We use scaling and root planing to manage mild gum disease. We clean out those gum pockets and sterilize the area. Then, we smooth down the tooth roots so that your gum tissue can reattach properly.
Moderate Periodontal Disease
The bacteria continue to get more aggressive. In addition to attacking the bone structure, bacteria get into your bloodstream, carrying infection and inflammation throughout your body. Like mild gum disease, we recommend a deep cleaning to manage the condition.
Severe Gum Disease
At this stage, the disease has evolved completely. You have severe bad breath that you can’t get rid of, your gums ooze blood and pus, and it’s painful to chew or speak. Since the infection is attacking the foundation of your teeth, they become loose and are at risk of falling out. Only laser periodontal treatment or gum surgery can manage the condition when it gets to this level.
Treat Gum Disease in Fairfax, VA
We provide many options for patients in every stage of gum disease:
Scaling and Root Planing
This non-invasive, non-surgical gum treatment provides a deep clean. Scaling treatment removes plaque buildup on and beneath the gum tissue. Root planing smooths down the tooth roots. Both scaling and root planing prevent gum recession and further gum irritation. Root planing helps the teeth reattach to the gum tissue.
Laser Dentistry
We can also use a dental laser for painless periodontal treatment. Our WaterLase laser uses water and laser wavelengths to precisely cut diseased tissue. Many patients do not need sedation for laser treatment because it offers quick and comfortable treatment. We also often recommend gum grafting to provide healthy gum tissue for patients with receding gums.
Antibacterial Gels and Rinses
We also recommend professional antibacterial gels and rinses. Our team can provide an antibacterial gel after scaling and root planing. Perioscience dental gel, CTX4 tooth gel, or Chlorohexidine oral rinse. These rinses and gels protect the teeth and gums from reinfection.
The best way to prevent problems like gum disease is to brush and floss daily. Many patients don’t floss daily because they believe it isn’t an important part of their oral hygiene routine. However, flossing before brushing can help remove food debris and bacterial buildup for a more thorough cleaning.
Periodontal Disease Treatment FAQs
Read answers to questions about periodontal disease treatment in Burke, VA:
What are gum disease risk factors?
Several factors can increase your risk of developing gum disease:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Sugary foods and drinks
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Genetics
- Crooked teeth
- Teeth clenching and grinding
- Weakened immune system
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause
You can manage many of these risks with a good oral hygiene routine and regular dental care in our office.
Is gum disease contagious?
Gum disease isn’t contagious like a cold or flu, but the bacteria that cause it can spread through saliva. This means sharing things like toothbrushes, utensils, or drinks with someone who has gum disease could transfer harmful bacteria to your mouth.
But just getting the bacteria doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop gum disease. It depends on your oral hygiene, genetics, and health habits.
Can you cure gum disease?
Gum disease can often be controlled and even reversed if caught early. The mildest form, called gingivitis, can usually be completely cured with good brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings. Once the gums heal, they can return to normal as long as you keep them clean.
However, if gum disease advances to a more serious stage called periodontitis, it can’t be fully cured. But you can stop it from getting worse with periodontal disease treatment in our Burke, VA dentist office.
How often do I need to come in for cleanings if I’ve had gum disease?
If you’ve had gum disease before, your dentist will likely recommend more frequent cleanings than the usual twice-a-year visits. Most people with a history of gum disease need cleanings every three to four months to keep bacteria under control and prevent it from coming back.
These extra cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup in harder-to-reach spots before they can cause more damage. We will check your gums at each visit and adjust the schedule based on how well your gums are healing.
When can I eat after laser gum treatment?
After laser gum treatment, your dentist will usually recommend waiting until the numbness wears off before eating—typically about 2 to 4 hours. This helps prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue while they’re still numb.
For the first 24 hours, stick to soft and cool foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies. Avoid anything crunchy, spicy, or hot, because it could irritate the treated area.
Will my gums grow back after treatment?
Gums don’t grow back completely on their own once they’ve receded due to gum disease, but treatment can help stop further damage and protect your teeth. Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) causes swelling and bleeding, but with proper cleaning and care, your gums can heal and tighten back around your teeth.
If gum recession is more advanced, deep cleanings or procedures like gum grafting can cover exposed roots. While the gums won’t regrow naturally, these treatments can restore some coverage and prevent more recession/
Why do I have gum problems when I’m pregnant?
Pregnancy causes big changes in your hormones, especially higher levels of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones make your gums more sensitive to the bacteria in plaque, which can lead to swelling, bleeding, or even gum disease—sometimes called “pregnancy gingivitis.” You might also notice your gums get redder or feel tender when you brush.
Continue to brush gently with a soft toothbrush, floss daily, and see us for a cleaning. You can safely get a dental cleaning depending on the stage of your pregnancy.
Can gum disease cause other health problems?
Yes, gum disease can lead to other health problems if it isn’t treated. The bacteria from infected gums can enter your bloodstream and travel to other parts of your body. It can cause inflammation and make existing conditions worse.
For example, gum disease has been linked to heart disease. The inflammation may contribute to clogged arteries. It can also make diabetes harder to control because high blood sugar and gum infections can feed off each other.
Schedule a Gum Consultation
Do you need to treat your damaged, irritated gums? Get periodontal disease treatment in Burke, VA. Call our office today at (571) 789-1265. You can also request an appointment at Smiles By Mia on our website.