Gum Disease Treatment | Avenel & Woodbridge Township

Gentle Care for Your Smile’s Foundation

At White Oak Dental & Orthodontics, Dr. Aquino and our expert team can provide the care you need to spot the early signs of gum disease and take care of it quickly with comfortable, targeted gum disease treatment.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease (you may hear Dr. Aquino call it "periodontal disease") is a common but serious condition affecting the gums and other structures supporting your teeth.

It starts as a mild inflammation called gingivitis but can progress to more severe forms like periodontitis if left untreated.

Causes

This sneaky ailment is a leading cause of tooth loss among adults, but the good news is that it's largely preventable. Often caused by poor oral hygiene, factors like smoking, hormonal changes, and certain medications can also influence gum disease.

Symptoms

Early detection is crucial, as the condition is most treatable in its initial stages. Symptoms to watch out for include:

  • Red, swollen gums
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Bleeding when you brush or floss

At White Oak Dental & Orthodontics in Avenel, Dr. Aquino can help you identify the signs and provide effective treatment options to keep your smile healthy.

What Causes Gum Disease?

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Gum disease is mainly triggered by the accumulation of plaque, a sticky bacterial film on your teeth and gums. However, several other factors can contribute:

Smoking or chewing tobacco: These habits can significantly worsen gum health.
Poor oral hygiene: Inconsistent or inadequate dental care can set the stage for gum issues.
Hormonal changes: Life stages like pregnancy, menopause, and puberty can make gums more vulnerable.
Medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes can heighten your risk of developing gum disease.
Certain medications: Some meds can cause dry mouth, reducing the saliva that naturally cleans your mouth.
Genetic predisposition: Some people are naturally more prone to gum disease due to their genetic makeup.

Common Gum Disease Symptoms

Gum disease can be a silent troublemaker, sneaking up on you with symptoms that might initially seem minor.

However, paying attention to the early warning signs is crucial to prevent the condition from worsening. Here's what to keep an eye out for:

Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums

This is often the first sign that something's not quite right with your gum health.

Bleeding When Brushing or Flossing

If you see pink in the sink, it's time to pay a little more attention to your gums.

Gums Pulling Away from Your Teeth

Recessing gums can create pockets where bacteria love to hide.

Loose or Separating Teeth

If your teeth are pulling away from your gums or other teeth, this is a more advanced symptom of gum disease and a big red flag.

Persistent Bad Breath

If bad breath — also called halitosis — sticks around, your gums might be the reason.

Changes in Bite

If your bite — or even the fit of your dentures — feels off, this can indicate changes in your gum and bone structure.

Next Steps

If you notice any of these symptoms, scheduling a visit with Dr. Aquino at White Oak Dental & Orthodontics in Avenel is a good idea. Early intervention can make all the difference.

How We Treat Gum Disease

At White Oak Dental & Orthodontics in Avenel, we're committed to helping you fight gum disease head-on.

Dr. Aquino offers two effective treatments to get your gums back in tip-top shape:

  • Scaling and root planing
  • Antibiotic therapy

These treatments are designed to deep-clean your gums and eliminate bacteria, leading you to a healthier smile.

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Scaling & Root Planing

Dr. Aquino employs a two-step deep cleaning method called scaling and root planing to tackle early-stage gum disease:

  • Scaling: This first step involves meticulously clearing away plaque and tartar that have built up around your gums.
  • Root planing: Next, we move on to root planing, which involves Dr. Aquino carefully contouring and smoothing out your tooth roots.

This dual action promotes quicker gum healing and creates a surface that's less inviting for future plaque buildup. It's a proactive approach to keep your gums healthy and halt the progression of gum disease.

Antibiotic Therapy

During this targeted approach to combat gum disease, Dr. Aquino administers the antibiotic directly onto your affected gums to ensure precise treatment where it's most needed.

The medication dries swiftly before gradually dispensing its healing properties over an extended period. This ongoing treatment not only eradicates hard-to-reach bacteria but also minimizes the depth of gum pockets, common hiding spots for bacteria.

Antibiotic therapy effectively supplements scaling and root planing, ensuring a comprehensive fight against gum disease.

The Advantages of Gum Disease Treatment

Treating gum disease comes with a host of benefits that go beyond just your mouth:

Tooth Preservation

Early treatment can prevent tooth loss, keeping your smile intact.

Better Overall Health

Gum disease is linked to heart issues and diabetes. Treatment can reduce these risks.

Fresh Breath

Say goodbye to the persistent bad breath often accompanying gum disease.

Improved Comfort

Treatment relieves symptoms like gum tenderness and bleeding, making daily activities like eating and talking more comfortable.

Cost Savings

Early treatment is generally less expensive than advanced-stage treatments that may require surgery or tooth replacement.