You have an oral health routine. You brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. You visit your dentist twice a year. You do everything you can to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Unfortunately, even with the best dental care, you can still develop gum disease. So, what do you do once you've been diagnosed with the disease? Here is some information that will help you understand gum disease and the treatment process.

Self-Care

Gum disease usually starts out slowly. First, you'll notice that your gums are red and swollen. Next, you'll notice a small amount of blood in the sink after you brush or floss. You might start noticing some mild discomfort in your gums. As soon as you notice those signs, you should increase your daily oral hygiene routine. If you're only brushing twice a day, increase it to three times a day. If you're not flossing after each meal, carry floss in your pocket so you can clean between your teeth throughout the day. You should also start using a daily antiseptic mouth rinse to kill the germs and bacteria that cause gum disease. It's also important that you schedule an appointment with your dentist. 

Deep Cleaning

If mild gum disease is left untreated, it can progress into a disease known as periodontitis. This severe form of gum disease can cause bone loss, tooth loss, and health problems. Once you're diagnosed with periodontitis, your dentist will perform a deep cleaning on your teeth and gums. During this treatment, the dentist will scrape away plaque and tarter that's built up on your teeth, including the area below the gum line. They'll also clean the space around your roots to remove bacterial deposits. Your dentist will prescribe a treatment plan designed to prevent further damage and tooth loss.

Extractions

If your dentist discovers that a significant amount of bone has been lost, or your periodontitis is causing severe health problems for you, it might be necessary for you to have your teeth removed. Your dentist will schedule an appointment to extract the diseased teeth. Your dentist will also discuss replacement teeth with you – including dental implants and dentures.

If you've noticed the tell-tale signs of gum disease, redness, swelling, or bleeding around the gums, you should speak to your dentist as soon as possible. With proper treatment, your dentist can reverse the effects of gum disease, and restore your mouth to proper health. Talk to dentists like Jacob L. Revercomb DMD for more information.