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.

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.