Goodbye Gum Disease, Hello Happiness
Gum disease is a common condition that can lead to serious oral health problems if left untreated. In the United States alone, 2 in 5 adults over 30 are suffering from some degree of gum disease. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments and preventative solutions to help combat the onset of gum disease.
At The Foleck Center, our trusted dentists offer modern solutions to treat periodontitis and gingivitis in Virginia Beach. Additionally, we work diligently to educate our patients about their own risks for gum disease and what steps they can take to prevent it.
What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an umbrella term for conditions involving inflammation and infection of gum and bone tissue surrounding teeth. The two primary types are periodontitis and gingivitis, which differ in severity and the tissue they affect. It is typically caused by bacterial buildup and plaque on the teeth, which can lead to inflammation, swelling, and infection. Left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss and other complications.
Factors Related to Gum Disease Progression
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking
- Genetic predisposition
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications
- Systemic diseases like diabetes
How Can Gum Disease be Prevented?
Gum disease is largely preventable with good oral hygiene and routine professional care. By brushing, flossing, and scheduling regular dental cleanings and checkups at The Foleck Center in Virginia Beach, you can keep your gums healthy and catch early signs of issues before they become serious. Consistent care is the key to protecting both your smile and overall health.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease often presents itself with the following symptoms. You may or may not notice these at home, which is why seeing your dentist a few times each year is key to catching the disease as early as possible.
- Bleeding gums
- Red, tender, swollen gums
- Gums that have pulled away from teeth, (gum recession)
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Separating or loose teeth
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures
Types of Gum Disease
There are 2 primary types of gum disease that are part of a general progression in the severity of symptoms and impacts on your overall oral health.
Gingivitis
- Reversable
The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis and reversible when properly. It is associated with red, swollen, bleeding, and sensitive gums as well as bad breath, loosening of teeth, and gum recession. This condition is primary caused by buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums when you eat or drink.
Gingivitis can be prevented by brushing your teeth at least twice day and flossing once a day to remove plaque. Regular visits a few times a year to your Virginia Beach dentist for cleanings can also help keep gingivitis at bay. Left untreated, gingivitis can devolve into early periodontitis, a non-reversible and more severe form of gum disease.
Early Periodontitis
- Non-reversible
Early periodontitis is like gingivitis but is associated with the presence of periodontal pockets between the teeth and gums that can damage the bone supporting your teeth. These pockets are formed when plaque is not removed properly and hardens into tartar. Early periodontitis is best treated by a professional dentist.
Advanced Periodontitis
- Non-reversible
Advanced periodontitis occurs when bone and tissues that support teeth become severely infected and damaged caused by an excessive buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth and gums.
Symptoms can be painful and include gum recession, inflammation, pocket formation, bad breath, abscess formation, loosening or loss of teeth, gum ulcerations, changes in bite, and more. In some cases, advanced periodontitis may even require surgical intervention to prevent further damage to healthy tissue.
Periodontal Disease Treatment Options
At The Foleck Center in Virginia Beach, we offer a number of modern and results-based treatments for every stage of gum disease. Our team will discuss your options with you to determine what works best for your health, budget, and lifestyle needs.
- Professional Dental Cleanings are a simple and effective way to remove plaque buildup and bacteria from the teeth and gums.
- Scaling and Root Planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and bacteria from below the gum line.
- Laser Periodontal Therapy is a minimally invasive treatment option for periodontal disease that utilizes laser technology to remove infected tissue and promote healing.
- Bone and gum grafting involves taking grafts of bone or tissue from other areas of the mouth or a donor source and transplanting them to the affected area to promote new tissue growth.
- Antibiotics are used to kill bacteria that cause gum disease and reduce inflammation and infection.
- Surgery may be necessary to treat advanced gum disease. Options include gum grafting, bone grafting, or tooth extraction.
Costs of Treatments for Gum Disease
Most gum disease treatments, such as deep cleanings and periodontal maintenance, are often covered at least in part by dental insurance. The total cost can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment needed. At The Foleck Center in Virginia Beach, our team helps patients understand their insurance benefits and offers flexible payment options to make care affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children or teens get gum disease?
Yes, while gum disease is more common in adults, children and teens can also develop early stages of gum problems like gingivitis. Regular dental checkups at The Foleck Center in Virginia Beach can help detect and treat issues before they progress.
Is gum disease reversible?
In its earliest stage, gingivitis, gum disease can often be reversed with professional cleanings and improved at-home care. However, once it progresses to periodontitis, it can only be managed—not fully reversed.
What other health problems can gum disease cause?
Research has shown that gum disease is linked to serious health concerns beyond the mouth, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and complications during pregnancy. Keeping your gums healthy with regular care at The Foleck Center can help protect your overall health as well as your smile.
Is gum disease painful?
Not always. Gum disease can develop quietly without causing noticeable pain, which is why routine checkups are essential. As it advances, symptoms like tenderness, swelling, or bleeding may become more noticeable.
Is gum disease contagious?
While gum disease itself isn’t considered contagious, the bacteria that cause it can be transferred through saliva. This means habits like sharing utensils, drinks, or kissing may spread the bacteria, increasing someone’s risk if they don’t maintain good oral hygiene.
Protect Your Smile with Gum Disease Treatment in Virginia Beach
At The Foleck Center, we’re dedicated to helping patients prevent, detect, and treat gum disease before it leads to lasting damage. With routine cleanings, thorough checkups, and personalized care, our Virginia Beach team ensures your gums and teeth stay healthy for years to come.
Call today or schedule an appointment online to take the first step toward protecting your smile and overall health.
