Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a common but serious infection that affects the soft tissues and bone that support your teeth. At Dr. Jake Fisher’s dental practice in Omaha, we provide comprehensive periodontal therapy to help patients maintain healthy gums and prevent tooth loss.
Gum disease begins when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—builds up on your teeth. If not removed through daily brushing and flossing, this plaque hardens into tartar that can only be removed by a dental professional. The bacteria in plaque and tartar cause inflammation of the gums, which can progress to more serious forms of periodontal disease if left untreated.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush or floss?
Bleeding gums are usually a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease caused by plaque buildup. Consistent, gentle brushing and daily flossing typically resolve minor bleeding within one to two weeks. However, persistent bleeding, swelling, or pain may indicate more advanced gum disease requiring professional treatment.
What is gum disease, and how can I prevent it?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth, caused primarily by bacterial plaque. It progresses from gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) to periodontitis (severe infection that can destroy gums and bone). Prevention includes excellent daily oral hygiene, regular dental cleanings, not smoking, and managing health conditions like diabetes that increase risk.
Why do I have persistent bad breath?
Persistent bad breath (halitosis) can result from poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, certain foods, tobacco use, or underlying medical conditions. Most cases improve with better oral hygiene, including brushing your tongue and using antibacterial mouthwash. If bad breath persists despite good oral care, consult your dentist or physician to rule out other causes.
Gingivitis: The Early Stage
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. During this stage, the gums become red, swollen, and may bleed easily when you brush or floss. The good news is that gingivitis is completely reversible with professional treatment and good oral hygiene practices at home.
Signs of gingivitis include:
- Red or puffy gums instead of healthy pink gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Tender or sensitive gums
At Dr. Fisher’s practice, we can help reverse gingivitis through professional cleanings and guidance on improving your daily oral care routine.
Periodontitis: The Advanced Stage
When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis. In this stage, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These small spaces between teeth and gums collect debris and can become infected. As the disease progresses, these pockets deepen, destroying more gum tissue and bone.
Periodontitis can cause:
- Gums that recede or pull away from your teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Tooth loss in advanced cases
Unlike gingivitis, the damage from periodontitis is not reversible. However, with proper treatment from Dr. Fisher, we can stop its progression and prevent further damage.
Benefits of Treating Gum Disease
Treating periodontal disease offers numerous advantages that extend far beyond just saving your teeth, though preventing tooth loss is certainly a significant benefit. When you receive proper periodontal treatment from Dr. Fisher, you’ll experience improved oral health as inflammation decreases, bleeding stops, and your mouth becomes easier to keep clean and healthy.
Many patients don’t realize that gum health is closely connected to overall wellness, with research consistently showing links between periodontal disease and serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. By addressing your gum disease, you may actually be reducing your risk for these systemic health issues. You’ll also notice fresher breath almost immediately, as treatment eliminates the bacteria causing persistent bad odor.
Types of Periodontal Treatments
At Dr. Jake Fisher’s dental practice in Omaha, we believe in providing personalized periodontal care tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Our comprehensive approach to treating gum disease combines advanced techniques with compassionate care to help restore your oral health.
Dr. Fisher will thoroughly evaluate your condition and develop a treatment plan that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of your periodontal disease. Our practice utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and follows the latest evidence-based protocols to ensure you receive the most effective treatment possible. Depending on the severity of your condition, we may recommend one or more of the following periodontal treatments:
- Professional Dental Cleaning: Regular professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that can’t be eliminated through brushing and flossing alone.
- Scaling and Root Planing: This “deep cleaning” procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline (scaling) and smooths the tooth roots (planing) to help the gums reattach to the teeth. This is typically done under local anesthesia for your comfort.
- Antibiotic Therapy: In some cases, Dr. Fisher may recommend topical or oral antibiotics to control bacterial infection.
- Surgical Treatments: For advanced periodontitis, surgical interventions such as flap surgery, bone grafts, or tissue regeneration may be necessary to restore damaged tissues.
- Maintenance Therapy: Following initial treatment, regular follow-up visits are essential to maintain gum health and prevent disease recurrence.
Request an Appointment
Don’t ignore the signs of gum disease. Early intervention is key to preventing serious damage to your gums and teeth. If you’re experiencing symptoms of periodontal disease or it’s time for your regular dental check-up, we make it easy to connect with our office. You can reach Dr. Jake Fisher’s practice by calling our Omaha office at 402-526-5091 during our regular business hours. If you prefer, you can also use our online appointment request form.
Our friendly team is committed to finding a convenient appointment time that works with your schedule, and we strive to accommodate urgent periodontal concerns as quickly as possible. New patients are always welcome, and we accept most major dental insurance plans. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain healthy gums and a beautiful smile through our comprehensive periodontal care.