Periodontal (Gum) Treatments in Anderson, SC

When people think of gum disease, they may think of seeing blood in the sink when they brush or floss. For many people, this is a normal part of life and something they have come to expect periodically, especially when their home care habits are not a top priority.

Periodontal (gum) disease is actually a serious condition that puts your health at risk. It can also cause pain, sensitivity, bone loss, bad breath, and even tooth loss.

At Hopewell Family Dentistry, we take gum disease seriously because it has been linked to medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, respiratory illnesses, and even complications during pregnancy.

How to Know if You Have Gum Disease

For many people, the first noticeable sign of gum disease is bleeding when you brush or floss. As the disease progresses, you may also notice:

• Swollen, red gums
• Bad breath
• Gums receding to expose roots
• Tooth mobility
• Sensitivity

Regular visits for exams and cleanings are important because these allow us to catch developing gum disease as early as possible, often before you notice any symptoms yourself. If you do notice symptoms, contact us right away. 

We may be able to reverse early gum disease with a targeted series of dental cleanings and improved home care. As it progresses, we can recommend special periodontal cleanings designed to restore your health. 

Even if it has been too long since your last dental appointment, call us anyway. We will never make you feel bad for making the decision to get your oral health on track. We will partner with you and give you the care you need so you can enjoy a healthy smile.

Diagnosing Gum Disease

At your appointment, our skilled and gentle dental hygienist will take measurements of the gap between your gums and teeth. Healthy gums hug your teeth tightly, but as they become inflamed, they can pull away from your teeth, creating pockets where bacteria hide. 

Our hygienist, Delana, has training for treating gum conditions at every stage. She is thorough, but also believes in comfort and will make sure your appointment is as pain-free as possible. She is also anesthesia certified so she can make sure you are completely comfortable. She will remove the diseased tissue, bacteria, and infection from your gums so your body can heal. Sometimes, we can accomplish this in one appointment, but if your condition is advanced, it may take several.

Ongoing Periodontal Care

Defeating gums disease depends on a few factors:

Improving your home care – Our hygienist can remind you of proper techniques if you need a refresher course.

Regular dental cleanings – Even the best brushers and flossers cannot reach every area of their teeth. Regular cleanings keep you healthy.

Staying on schedule – Don’t miss too many dental cleanings or exams! Once you have gum disease, you are always more susceptible to it. We will help you get healthy and stay healthy.

Contact Our Anderson, SC Dental Office Today

Your oral health is part of your overall health and your longevity. Contact us and our Hopewell Family Dentistry team will be with you every step of the way.