Gums, or the soft tissues of your oral cavity that protect the root of your teeth, turn red and swell when a gum disease is present. If not treated, gum diseases can cause serious oral problems. Only a periodontist is qualified to treat gum problems proficiently. Here at West Valley Periodontics, we can treat the root cause of the problem and protect patients with gum disease from further infection.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is the inflammation or infection of soft tissues that protect the roots of your teeth. This is caused by plaque accumulating at the base of the teeth. The first stage of gum inflammation is called gingivitis, and the second stage of infection is called periodontitis. The gums tend to bleed and be irritated when a patient has gingivitis. If not treated in time, the inflammation may become an infection and give rise to periodontitis. Gums recede and form pockets when a person has periodontitis. The roots of the teeth become weak as the bone and gums are destroyed. This damage can result in the loss of teeth, which is the most undesirable condition in dentistry.

Improper maintenance of oral hygiene is the primary cause of gum disease. Smoking, poor brushing and flossing habits, medication, and hormonal changes are commonly linked with gum diseases. To prevent gum disease, patients should maintain good oral hygiene and visit their dentist for a professional dental cleaning at least twice a year.

Gum Disease Treatment

The Treatment for gum disease depends on the severity of the infection. Professional dental cleaning may help remove plaque from the base of the teeth, but it is up to the patient to maintain proper oral hygiene. These steps can help cure gingivitis. In more serious conditions, scaling and root planing, flap surgery, or other complex procedures may be required to reduce pockets formed around the gum line. The gums are then reshaped so that they provide enough support to teeth.

If you have any questions about our services, please contact us today at (623) 935-0004 (Avondale) or (623) 935-0004 (Surprise).