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What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease occurs when plaque accumulates in the mouth, typically due to insufficient oral hygiene, and causes inflammation in your gum tissue. However, several other factors can contribute to the development of this condition, including:

• Genetics
• Age
• Teeth clenching or grinding 
• Medication
• Smoking
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder

Poor nutrition and obesity may also increase your risk.

Common Symptoms

Signs of gum disease may include:

• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding while brushing
• Bad breath
• Longer-looking teeth 

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Early treatment is the best way to avoid serious complications from gum disease.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

Our team is dedicated to educating our patients about ways to prevent gum disease and other oral health issues. We believe that this empowers you to take an active role in protecting your smile.

There are several habits you can implement at home to reduce the chance of periodontal disease, such as:

• Brushing your teeth after meals
• Flossing at least once a day
• Using mouthwash
• Avoiding sugary foods and drinks

You should also attend biannual cleanings and exams. If you are at higher risk for gum disease, we may recommend more frequent visits.

Scaling & Root Planing

If you have moderate to severe gum disease, we can also perform a deep cleaning, known as scaling and root planing. Prior to treatment, we will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area. While we strive to provide gentle care, we can also use sedation to help you relax during your procedure. 

To begin, we will remove plaque and calculus deposits that have accumulated in pockets along the gum line. We will then smooth the tooth roots to prevent future plaque build-up and help the tissue reattach to teeth, providing better support.

Why Treat Gum Disease? 

Left untreated, gum disease can cause escalating oral health issues, including tooth loss. Once this has occurred, you will require more extensive, costly treatment to replace your missing teeth and protect your smile from further damage. Gum disease can also become so severe that the infection enters the bloodstream, impacting other areas of your body and jeopardizing your overall health.

Left untreated, gum disease can cause escalating oral health issues, including tooth loss. 

For these reasons, it is imperative that you attend your regular dental checkups. During these exams, Dr. Bagby and Dr. Stokke will monitor your smile for signs of infection and help you plan the best treatment.

Your Health Is Our Priority 

If you have noticed bleeding or swollen gums, or have not had your biannual exam, contact us online or call us at (406) 252-1078 today to schedule a consultation. Our entire team is passionate about helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.