Periodontal Therapy – McComb, OH

If you’ve ever found a pink or red spot on your toothbrush, floss, or sink after cleaning your teeth, you may have asked yourself: “Why are my gums bleeding?” This uncomfortable symptom is often a sign of a very common bacterial infection known as gum disease. While the earliest stages of this oral health condition are mild, it can lead to serious, permanent complications for your health later on. Thankfully, at McComb Family Dental, we offer several periodontal therapy options to help you say goodbye to bleeding gums and save your smile from gum disease.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is typically caused by poor oral hygiene. When plaque and tartar build up around the gumline, a bacterial infection can develop in the gums. This is known as periodontal (gum) disease. The earliest stage of this condition is called gingivitis, which usually causes annoying but easily manageable symptoms like bleeding gums. However, if the infection is left untreated and it advances into periodontitis, the bacteria will begin to attack the jawbone and destroy the connective tissues that hold your teeth in place. What’s more, researchers have discovered that advanced gum disease can even increase a person’s risk of systemic health issues like respiratory infections and heart disease.

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

Thankfully, the earlier gum disease is detected, the easier it usually is to treat. Since the initial symptoms of gum disease can be easy to miss or ignore, it’s important to know what to look out for. Come see us for an evaluation if you notice any of these common warning signs of gum disease:

• Gums that are puffy, bright red, sore, or bleed easily.
• Persistent bad breath that won’t go away even after brushing and flossing.
• Receding gums, which may make your teeth look longer than normal.
• Teeth that are sensitive, painful to chew with, or loose.
• Pimple-like bumps or pus on the gums or between your teeth.

Gum Disease Treatment Options

Gum disease treatment, or periodontal therapy, aims to eliminate gum disease at its source by removing bacteria from the gums. Depending on your unique case, we may recommend on of the following treatments:

Scaling & Root Planning

This method is also known as a deep cleaning. Scaling involves using specialized tools to clean away plaque, tartar, and bacteria that have collected underneath the gumline. Then, we’ll use root planning to smooth out the roots of your teeth, which makes it more difficult for bacteria to collect there again.

Antibiotic Therapy

In some cases, we’ll prescribe oral antibiotics in the form of a pill. As you take them over the course of several days, this medication will help kill dangerous bacteria, preserve gum tissue, and help your body combat the infection in your mouth.

Soft Tissue Laser Dentistry Treatment

At McComb Family Dental, we’re proud to offer state-of-the-art EPIC laser gum treatment. This quick, comfortable treatment can precisely remove bacteria and infected tissue inside the gum pockets around the teeth. This modern dental technology reduces bleeding and promotes faster healing, so you’ll be back to enjoying your happy, healthy smile in no time!

If you’re concerned about your gum health, don’t hesitate to contact us here at McComb Family Dental!