What Are Common Signs You Might Need Periodontal Therapy?

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Are you having problems with your gums? If it’s due to periodontal disease, that’s a condition that may need more intensive treatment to prevent complications. Our dentists in Jay, FL, at Jim D. Lassiter DMD offer therapy to treat it and get your gums back in good condition. You may need these services if you have any of the following signs of periodontal disease.

Gum Discoloration

Do your gums look red or purple? They can become discolored due to inflammation and infections that occur with gum disease.

Bleeding

Have you noticed bleeding, such as when you brush your teeth? Your gums may bleed easily when you brush or floss, indicating that you may have periodontal disease.

Tenderness

Do your gums feel sore? This tender, achy feeling can happen when your gums are infected or inflamed.

Receding Gums

How do your gums look? If they seem to be pulling away from your teeth, that’s known as gum recession — and it’s often a sign of gum disease.

Taste and Breath Changes

Have you been dealing with bad breath that never seems to go away, even after brushing your teeth? Or do you have an unpleasant taste in your mouth? These are also signs of periodontal disease.

Loose Teeth

Do any of your teeth seem loose? As gum disease gets worse, your gums recede and put your teeth at risk of loosening in the socket and falling out.

Set Up an Appointment Today for Periodontal Therapy!

Do you need treatment for gum disease? Our dental team at Jim D. Lassiter DMD offers periodontal therapy in Jay, FL, to help you get healthy gums again and lower the risk of tooth loss and other complications.

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Which Is Better for Gum Infections: Deep Cleaning or Medication?

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If you have any kind of gum infection, it can be intimidating to try to figure out the best path forward. Not only does the word infection sound serious, but you may have different dentists in Jay, FL suggest other types of periodontal therapy. Below, we’ll look at what you should know about gum disease and whether you should have a deep cleaning or take an antibiotic.

What to Know About Gum Disease in Jay, FL

Gum disease in Jay, FL is a direct byproduct of plaque. The more bacteria builds up, the more damage you’ll see to both your teeth and gums. In some cases, gum disease can be eliminated with little more than better oral hygiene habits, whether that’s more consistent flossing or the addition of a medicated mouthwash.

For others, you’ll need more professional attention to avoid gum loss. As bacteria builds up, it forms pockets between the teeth and the gums. If you allow those pockets to grow, it can eventually cause irreversible damage.

The Best Way to Combat Gum Disease

With a deep cleaning, the dentist will essentially dig deep in the pockets of your teeth, clearing out all of the bacteria that caused the pockets in the first place. They’ll then smooth the roots so the gums and the teeth can reattach themselves. With antibiotics, you target the bacteria that causes gum disease (which can also help you reduce pain or discomfort). Most of the time, if the dentist recommends an antibiotic, they’ll also recommend deep cleaning.

If you’re looking for a dentist in Jay, FL, who can help you decide how to best treat your gum disease, contact the office of Jim D. Lassiter, DMD. We’re here to give you options so you can make the best decisions for your long-term oral health.

5 Signs You Have Periodontitis

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Periodontitis is a problem that can have long-term effects on your dental health. Seeing the dentist in Jay, FL, regularly can help you avoid periodontitis. Knowing the signs that you may have this condition can help you decide that it’s time to get help from a dental professional. Here’s what you need to watch out for.

What Is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is an infection in the gums. If allowed to progress, periodontitis can damage gum tissue. Deep cleanings and other treatments can help control or stop periodontitis, but first, your dentist must diagnose the condition.

Signs of Periodontitis

There are many signs of periodontitis to watch for.

  1. Inflamed, red gums
  2. Gum tissue is puffy
  3. Gums bleed easily, like during toothbrushing
  4. Bad breath that doesn’t go away
  5. Receding gums

As the condition worsens, you may notice your permanent teeth become loose and other problems. Periodontitis can impact your relationships with loved ones because it can affect how your breath smells. Bacteria in your mouth can give you chronic bad breath (also known as halitosis). Halitosis can’t be fixed by brushing your teeth.

What Are the Dangers of Periodontitis?

Periodontitis can do lasting damage to your gums and may lead to loss of jaw bone volume. Over time, your teeth may become loose, or you may even lose your permanent teeth.

You can avoid periodontitis, or get it under control, with dental cleanings in Jay, FL. At the dental office of Jim D. Lassiter, we can help you get the attention and treatment you need to take care of your teeth. If you’ve noticed the symptoms above, call today to make an appointment and find out whether you’re suffering from periodontitis.