About Periodontal Disease in Tupelo, MS

Periodontal (gum) disease is an inflammation in the gums that may result in significant damage to your mouth. There are three stages of gum disease that range from mild to severe. The first stage is gingivitis, which is brought on by a plaque buildup around the gumline. If not treated, gingivitis can turn into the next phase, known as periodontitis, that affects the fibers and bone that hold your teeth in place. Advanced periodontitis is the final stage of periodontal disease and can cause teeth to become loose and need to be removed from the jaw. To treat gum disease, Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offers treatment options based on the severity of the disease, including nonsurgical scaling and root planing therapy. If you have symptoms of periodontal disease, contact our office in Tupelo, MS to schedule an exam with qualified general dentists Doctors Richard Caron or John Kenney.

Since many people have gum disease yet are unaware of its presence, it is very important to schedule yearly dental exams at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. This provides our team with an opportunity to measure your gum pockets to diagnose and treat gum disease before it significantly impacts your oral health and general wellness. Common signs and symptoms of gum disease include:

• Gums that bleed
• Tender or swollen gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth 
• Pus around the gums
• Gum recession
• Sensitive teeth

It is very important that you contact our practice for an appointment if you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms. While this problem can cause damage to your oral health, it has also been linked to several systemic medical conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. Gum disease is a progressive oral condition and will not resolve without professional care. 

Treatment for periodontal disease will be based on the severity of the infection. If Dr. Caron or Dr. Kenney diagnose periodontal disease, our team will review options for treating the condition. Gingivitis cases are often treated with a very thorough dental cleaning and improve home care efforts. Periodontitis may be addressed with scaling and root planing (SRP), which is a therapeutic type of deeper cleaning that removes plaque, bacteria, and tartar from the gum pockets. 

Based upon the stage of gum disease and treatment program, your recovery time will vary. You may need to schedule a number of appointments in Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to fully treat your periodontal disease. After your oral health is restored, our team may recommend periodontal maintenance cleanings scheduled every 3 – 4 months to help keep your gum disease under control. It is also imperative to maintain a daily at-home oral hygiene regimen, including thorough flossing and brushing. Doctors Caron or Kenney may suggest an antibacterial mouthwash to minimize the presence of bacteria in your mouth.

What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is primarily caused by plaque buildup on the teeth and gums. Poor oral hygiene practices, such as inadequate brushing and flossing, can lead to the accumulation of harmful bacteria in the mouth, triggering an inflammatory response. Other risk factors that can contribute to the development of periodontal disease include smoking, genetics, hormonal changes, stress, and underlying health conditions like diabetes. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can help prevent and detect early signs of periodontal disease.

Can gum disease be cured?
Early-stage gum disease, known as gingivitis, can often be reversed with professional dental cleanings, improved oral hygiene practices, and regular check-ups. However, once gum disease progresses to periodontal disease, it cannot be completely cured. Don't let that discourage you, however, as you can prevent periodontal disease from worsening and effectively manage it through proper treatment from Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.

Will I lose my teeth if I have periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. The infection and inflammation caused by the disease can destroy the supportive structures around the teeth, including the gums, ligaments, and jawbone. This is why visiting our office for periodontal disease treatment is important. Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offers a range of periodontal treatments to address gum disease and help preserve your natural teeth, including antibiotics, scaling and root planing, and more.

Periodontal disease can progressively cause damage to your gums, jaw, teeth, and general health without the appropriate treatment. To protect your oral health and quality of your smile, it is necessary to seek expert help when any symptoms occur. At Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we work with you to restore your gums and minimize the damage resulting from periodontal disease. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with doctors Caron or Kenney, get in touch with our comprehensive Tupelo, MS practice today.