During the ongoing pandemic, many individuals have let their oral hygiene regimens and dental care fall to the wayside to focus on other public health concerns. This could be detrimental to your well-being.
Recent research suggests that patients with gum disease could be more likely to develop severe COVID-19 symptoms than those without this condition. This is due to the link between inflamed gums and the body’s systemic inflammatory response.
Therefore, visiting your dentist for a check-up is more crucial than ever. Levesque Dentistry, a dentist practice in Nashua, NH, describes the importance of prompt gum disease treatment to protect your overall health.
Gum Disease Symptoms
Gum disease is common, affecting more than half of American adults, but many patients do not experience recognizable symptoms of this condition. Therefore, routine dental exams are important to maintaining good oral health.
Other patients may notice symptoms of periodontal problems, including swollen, sore, or bleeding gums. They may also have loose or shifting teeth or bad breath.
Untreated gum disease can lead to gum recession and ultimately tooth loss, among other dental concerns. Gum disease has several stages, from early signs of gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. There are different treatment approaches to each type of periodontal disease.
Periodontal Treatment Options
If your dentist diagnoses you with gum disease, they will likely first perform a thorough cleaning of your gums to eliminate excess bacteria and plaque build-up. The extensive cleaning method is referred to as scaling and root planing.
If the condition does not respond to this treatment, you may need more invasive treatment, such as oral surgery. Your dentist can stitch gums tighter to your teeth to reduce the chances of bacteria infecting your gums and make it easier to keep the area clean.
Modern dental technology offers laser treatment for more accurate and comfortable periodontal treatment. This method reduces recovery time compared to surgery and lowers the risk of irritation as you heal.
Your dentist may also recommend using an antibacterial mouthwash to balance bacteria in your mouth and stave off gum infections. If you want more information on how we diagnose and treat gum disease, please see Periodontal Therapy.
Schedule a Dentist Appointment in Nashua, NH
Levesque Dentistry offers periodontal therapy from an expert dentist team to patients in Nashua, NH. Our practice also specializes in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, including tooth replacement treatments. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 603.547.9203.