If you experience bleeding and swelling with your gums or your gum lines begin receding, your dentist might diagnose you with periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is another name for gum disease, and this is a serious issue that you should not ignore. If you have this disease, you will need to talk to your dentist about treating it. Here are several things to know about the treatment of periodontal disease.

The Treatment Depends on the Stage

Periodontal disease occurs in stages. It begins with minor symptoms and problems and progressively worsens over time if left untreated. The first stage might require minor treatment options, while the progressive stages might require more. When your dentist diagnoses the problem, they will tell you what state you are in. They will also explain what this means and your treatment options. Dentists also tell people what they can do to stop the disease from worsening. If you are just starting to develop gum disease, small changes can help you prevent it from worsening. Your dentist can help you know what changes to make.

The Treatment for Minor Cases

If you are just starting to develop periodontal disease, your dentist might recommend several things. First, they might suggest getting your teeth cleaned more often. Instead of attending dental cleanings every six months, your dentist might recommend coming every three months. Next, the dentist might give you a prescription for a mouth rinse product. This product is strong and kills the bacteria in your mouth. Using it daily can reduce the effects of your gum disease. The dentist might also suggest improving your daily oral care habits by brushing longer or more frequently.

The Treatment for Major Cases

If your gum disease is in the second or third stage, you might need other procedures. For example, many people with gum disease go through a procedure called scaling and root planing. During this procedure, a dentist pulls back your gums to clean them. After cleaning them, they put the gums back in place. Other people might need gum surgery to correct the problem. Gum surgery cleans the areas out more thoroughly than scaling and root planing. If you catch the problem early, you might be able to avoid these procedures.

Gum disease is not something to ignore. It will only get worse and can lead to a loss of teeth. If you suspect you have it, talk to your dentist right away.

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