Periodontal Care for Healthy, Beautiful-looking Gums

Periodontics at Hindman Family Dentistry in Sioux City, Iowa, comprises all facets of gum care, including preventive care, maintenance, and treatment. We understand that gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. So, we go the extra mile to prevent gum disease or address the infection promptly when detected.

How gum disease develops and the symptoms

Gum disease occurs when you fail to brush and floss your teeth routinely. Poor oral hygiene causes the formation of dental plaque, which contains harmful bacteria that irritate your gums. Gum disease develops in stages. The early stage of periodontal disease — gingivitis — is mild and exhibits symptoms like:

  • Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
  • Swollen gums 
  • Tender gums
  • Bad breath

When you fail to address gingivitis, it advances to periodontitis, where the infection multiplies and spreads beneath the gingival tissues. At this stage, your gums start pulling away (receding) from your teeth, forming periodontal pockets that are difficult to clean with your toothbrush. 

Gum disease doesn’t stop here. If left untreated, early periodontal disease progresses into full-blown periodontitis that deteriorates your teeth-supporting bones, causing an uneven bite, loose teeth, and even tooth loss!

How to treat periodontal disease

Early detection of gum disease is the most effective method of managing it. Although you can spot signs of gum disease at home, most symptoms are subtle, and only a dentist can identify them during dental exams. So, just like regular appointments with your general physician are important, you should adhere to routine dental checkups to detect gum disease early when it’s easily treatable. 

When we diagnose you with gingivitis, we can reverse it with diligent home dental care alongside professional dental cleanings. However, mild to moderate gum disease requires more intervention. Deep teeth cleaning uses two procedures to manage gum disease. Dental scaling removes plaque and tartar from your teeth, under the gums, and root surfaces. Root planing smooths your tooth roots to promote healing and discourage the growth of bacteria. 

Advanced periodontitis may require surgical treatments, including flap surgery and bone and soft tissue grafting, to restore oral health. While we hope to manage your gum disease with non-surgical treatments, we can connect you with a reliable periodontist for any necessary surgical treatments if needed.

Preventing gum disease

Gum disease is a severe condition, but the good news is that it’s preventable. Observe the tips below to keep gum disease in check.

  • Brush twice daily
  • Floss at least once every day
  • Consider an antibacterial mouthwash
  • Avoid smoking 
  • Stay hydrated
  • Visit your dentist at least twice annually

Suspect gum disease in Sioux City, IA? Imagine never having to worry about bad breath or bleeding when cleaning your teeth. This can be your new reality if you seek periodontal care services from Dr. Joshua Hindman and the team. Call (712) 274-2228 to schedule your appointment today. It’s important to remember that addressing gum disease early is the most effective method for preventing it from progressing to a more serious and irreversible state.