What Gum Disease Is
Gum disease (the dental word is periodontal disease) starts when bacteria and plaque build up along and below your gumline. In its early stage, gingivitis, the gums get red, puffy, and bleed easily, and it is fully reversible. Left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis, where the infection works deeper and can damage the bone that holds your teeth in place. Nearly half of adults over thirty have some form of it, so if this is you, you are far from alone.
Signs Worth Watching For
The early signs are easy to miss because gum disease usually does not hurt at first. Watch for gums that bleed when you brush or floss, lingering bad breath, gums that look like they are pulling back from your teeth, or teeth that feel a little loose. If you notice any of these, give us a call. The earlier we catch it, the simpler the treatment is.
How We Treat It
At Harrisonburg Dentist, we offer the full range of non-surgical periodontal care. The main treatment is a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing, where we gently clear bacteria and hardened deposits from below the gumline and smooth the root surfaces so your gums can reattach and heal. We numb the area first so you stay comfortable. When a pocket needs extra help, we can place ARESTIN, a targeted antibiotic powder that keeps working below the gumline after your cleaning.
Care That Talks to Your Doctors
Gum health is connected to your whole-body health. Because our office sits inside the Sentara RMH medical corridor, we can coordinate your gum-disease care with your physicians when diabetes, heart disease, or a weakened immune system is part of your picture. After treatment, we set you up on a periodontal maintenance schedule, usually cleanings a bit more often than every six months, to keep the disease from coming back.