What to Do If You’ve Been Diagnosed With Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the most common oral health issues affecting adults worldwide. It starts with the inflammation of the gums and can lead to severe complications, including tooth loss, if left untreated.

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with gum disease, it’s essential to understand the implications and the steps you can take to properly manage it. So, what should you do if you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease? Here’s your guide to getting your healthy gums back.

 What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease has two main forms: gingivitis and periodontitis.

• Gingivitis represents the early stage of the disease and is characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing. This condition is often reversible with improved oral hygiene and professional dental care. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis.
• Periodontitis is a more advanced and serious stage where the inflammation causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that can become infected. During this stage, the infection can damage the bone supporting your teeth, potentially leading to loose teeth and eventual tooth loss.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors can contribute to the development of gum disease, including:

• Poor oral hygiene practices
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Certain medical conditions, like diabetes
• Genetic predisposition
• Medications that can cause dry mouth
• Age, as older adults are more likely to have the condition

Steps to Take Once You’ve Been Diagnosed

Step One: Professional Consultation and Assessment

It can be alarming to be diagnosed with gum disease, but your dentist is here to help. Your dentist will evaluate the severity of your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

During your comprehensive examination, your dentist will conduct several assessments, including X-rays to evaluate bone condition, measurements of gum pocket depth, and a thorough review of your oral hygiene routine. This detailed evaluation helps determine the most effective course of treatment for your specific situation.

Step Two: Creating a Treatment Plan

Treatment can differ based on how severe your gum disease is and your current oral health and hygiene practices.

• For gingivitis (mild gum disease). For some patients with gingivitis, a deep cleaning (also called root planing and scaling) combined with proper at-home care may be enough to reverse the condition.
• For mild to moderate gum disease. Patients with mild to moderate gum disease may need multiple deep cleanings, antibiotic therapy, and a robust home care routine to restore their gum health.
• For advanced gum disease. Advanced gum disease can require more complex treatment, including deep cleanings, antibiotic therapy, and potentially gum grafts to restore the gum tissue.

Step Three: Begin Treatment 

The initial treatment phase typically involves non-surgical approaches to control the infection and halt disease progression.

Professional cleaning by a dental hygienist removes accumulated tartar and provides a better foundation for healthy gums. For more advanced cases, scaling and root planing may be necessary. This deep cleaning procedure meticulously removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to reduce further bacterial accumulation.

Your dentist might also prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to address persistent infections and support the healing process.

Step Four: Pursue Advanced Care (If Necessary)

In cases where non-surgical treatments aren’t enough, there are some surgical procedures that can help restore gum health and prevent tooth loss.

Gum flap surgery involves carefully lifting back the gums to access and clean deeper pockets of infection, then securing the tissue in a position that will facilitate better cleaning and maintenance.

For patients who have experienced bone loss, bone grafting procedures can help rebuild the foundation supporting the teeth. Similarly, tissue grafting may be recommended to rebuild areas where gum recession has exposed sensitive root surfaces.

Step Five: Home Care and Long-Term Management

It’s crucial to properly care for your gums at home and keep your regular dental visits to have the best chance of recovering from gum disease.

Your dentist will work with you to develop a personalized maintenance schedule, typically involving check-ups every three to four months initially, adjusting the frequency based on your progress and stability. During these visits, they will assess your gum health, perform necessary cleanings, and recommend adjustments to your care routine.

To recover, you’ll need to:

Commit to Thorough Oral Hygiene

Your routine should include brushing at least twice daily using fluoride toothpaste, with special attention to the gumline where bacteria tend to accumulate. Many dental professionals recommend using an electric toothbrush, as these devices provide more effective plaque removal than manual brushing.

Daily flossing is essential for removing food particles and plaque from between teeth where brushing cannot reach. Your dentist may also recommend a particular mouthwash to help reduce plaque and fight harmful bacteria.

Eat a Healthy Diet

 A well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in supporting oral health and fighting gum disease. Focus on consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables, which provide essential vitamins and antioxidants that boost your immune system and support gum health.

Lean proteins are vital for tissue repair and regeneration. Consider incorporating foods rich in vitamin C, which supports gum healing, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation.

Quit Smoking, Chewing Tobacco, or Vaping

Quitting tobacco use is particularly important, as smoking significantly impairs healing and increases the risk of disease recurrence.

While some consider e-cigarettes to be a better alternative, these devices still contain nicotine, which can dry out the oral cavity and reduce oxygen and nutrients to the oral tissues. The result is that symptoms of gum disease can be masked when you vape, which can cause the disease to get worse without many noticeable symptoms.

Whether you smoke, vape, or chew tobacco, reducing your use of these substances or quitting is an important step in maintaining your oral health and healing from gum disease.

Manage Chronic Stress and Disease

Managing chronic health conditions, particularly diabetes, is crucial, as these conditions can complicate gum disease treatment. Additionally, finding effective ways to manage stress can support your immune system’s ability to fight infection and promote healing, which can help you have your best chance at recovering from gum disease.

Warning Signs and When to Seek Emergency Care

While regular check-ups are essential, certain symptoms may indicate a need for immediate dental attention when you have gum disease.

If you experience the following signs or symptoms, contact your dentist to determine if you need emergency care for your gum disease:

• Severe swelling or abscess of the gums, especially if accompanied by fever, which could indicate a dangerous infection requiring immediate treatment.
• Rapid tooth mobility or changes in how your teeth fit together when biting, suggesting active bone loss or infection.
• Sudden or persistent bleeding, which could indicate advanced gum disease, an underlying health condition, or a severe gum infection requiring immediate evaluation.
• Sharp or severe pain that interferes with eating or daily activities, which might signal an acute infection or abscess.
• Unusual discharge or pus between teeth and gums, indicating an active infection that requires prompt attention.
• Sudden sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, especially if accompanied by gum recession or tooth mobility.

Don’t Put Off Treatment for Gum Disease

While it can feel overwhelming to get a diagnosis of gum disease, remember that with proper care and commitment, you can significantly improve your gum health and protect your overall oral health for years to come. Contact Saunders DDS today at (828) 277-6060 or reach us online for a comprehensive assessment and treatment of gum disease in Asheville.