Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Rankin know that healthy gums are just as important as healthy teeth for your overall smile. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a common problem that damages the tissues holding your teeth in place. If not treated, it can eventually cause teeth to become loose or even fall out. That’s why treating gum problems as fast as possible is so important for your mouth and overall health.
Our dental team specializes in helping patients fight gum disease at any stage. Whether you need simple deep cleaning or more advanced treatments, we create a personalized plan that works for your specific needs. We take the time to carefully examine your gums, explain what we find, and recommend the best way to improve your oral health.
Good gum care starts with regular checkups and proper daily brushing and flossing. But if gum disease does develop, our experienced dentists have the skills and restorative treatments to help. We believe everyone deserves a healthy smile they can feel good about, and that begins with strong gums supporting strong teeth.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Charlotte, NC
Gum disease starts when bacteria in plaque infects your gums. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, these bacteria can make your gums red, swollen, and likely to bleed. This early stage is called gingivitis, and it’s your mouth’s way of warning you that something’s wrong.
When gingivitis isn’t treated, it can turn into a much more serious problem called periodontitis. Now the infection digs deeper, attacking the bone and tissues that hold your teeth in place. You might notice your gums pulling away from your teeth or your teeth feeling loose. Without treatment, this can eventually cause tooth loss.
Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Rankin want you to know that there is good news. Catching gum disease early makes treatment easier. Regular dental visits at our Charlotte dental office help spot problems before they become serious. Whether you need a simple cleaning or special gum treatment, we’re here to keep your smile healthy for life.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease often starts silently, with few noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, as the condition progresses, several signs can indicate that you may have gum disease. These include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Receding gums (your teeth may appear longer)
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pain when chewing
If you have any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with Dr. Gustafson or Dr. Rankin at Mallard Creek Family Dentistry. Early detection is key to preventing more serious damage. We’re a judgement-free dental practice with your best interests in mind.
Treating Gum Disease
We offer several treatment options depending on how severe your symptoms are. Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Rankin will assess your condition and recommend the most relevant treatment to restore your gum health.
When caught early, you can usually cure gingivitis by brushing and flossing better and getting professional cleanings. Our team will work with you to improve your daily cleaning routine. Sometimes we suggest coming in for cleanings more often to help your gums heal and stay healthy.
Gum disease is very common, affecting 3 out of 4 Americans at some point. It damages both your gums and the bones that hold your teeth in place. If not treated, it can eventually make your teeth fall out. The tricky part is that early gum disease doesn’t hurt, so many patients don’t know they have it. That’s why seeing your dentist regularly is so important.
For more advanced gum disease, Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Rankin might suggest a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. Scaling cleans off all the hardened plaque above and below your gums. Root planing smooths the roots of your teeth so bacteria can’t stick as easily and your gums can heal back onto your teeth. This treatment helps get rid of infection and makes the spaces between your teeth and gums smaller.
In serious cases, the patient might need gum surgery. Our dentists will carefully explain all your treatment choices and help you pick the best option for your specific situation. We want to make sure you get exactly the right care to protect your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kids get gum disease?
Yes, kids can get gum disease too. Though it’s usually not as severe as in adults. Most often, children get gingivitis from not brushing well or eating too much sugar. Teenagers are especially at risk because their changing hormones make gums more sensitive.
Braces can also cause gum problems if you don’t clean between them properly. Kids’ gum disease usually clears up fast with better brushing and help from parents.
Does gum disease affect the rest of my body?
Bad gums can actually lead to other health problems. The swelling in your gums can spread through your blood, making heart disease and diabetes worse. Pregnant women with gum disease might have babies too early. Germs from gum infections can even cause breathing problems. This is why fixing gum disease helps your whole body stay healthy, not just your mouth.
Will my insurance pay for gum treatment?
Most dental insurance helps pay for gum care, but how much depends on your plan. Regular cleanings are usually fully covered. Deep cleanings might be 80% covered. Surgery often has less coverage.
We’ll check exactly what your dental insurance pays for and explain all costs before you start. We also have payment plans to help you get the care you need.
How soon will my gums get better?
It depends on how bad your gum disease is. Simple gingivitis often improves in a few weeks with better brushing. After deep cleaning, your gums might feel tighter in 1-2 months. Full healing can take 3-6 months for serious cases. We’ll check your progress regularly and change treatment if needed.
Does gum treatment hurt?
We make sure you’re numb so it doesn’t hurt during treatment. You’ll feel some pushing during cleaning, but not sharp pain. Your gums might feel sore afterward, like they’ve been working hard.
Using soft brushes and warm salt water helps. Most people say it’s much better than leaving gum disease untreated.
Can being pregnant cause gum problems?
Yes, many pregnant women get “pregnancy gingivitis.” Your changing hormones make gums swell and bleed more easily. This can be risky for your baby, so safe treatment is important.
We suggest more cleanings while pregnant and can show you gentle ways to care for your gums. Good brushing and flossing become extra important during pregnancy.
What’s the best toothpaste for gum health?
Lots of toothpastes say they’re good for gums, but the most important thing to check for is the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This means the toothpaste really works. Some ingredients like stannous fluoride can help calm swollen gums, but how you brush is actually more important than what’s in the toothpaste.
At your next visit, we’ll show you the best way to brush. For people with serious gum problems, we might suggest a special extra-strong toothpaste you can’t buy in stores. No toothpaste can fix bad brushing habits, so let us teach you the right way to clean your gums.
How often should I come in if I have gum disease?
The standard 6-month cleaning schedule isn’t enough for gum disease patients. Most need professional cleanings every 3-4 months to prevent reinfection. This frequent maintenance lets us remove tartar before it causes more damage.
After your gums stabilize, we may gradually extend time between visits. Your personalized schedule depends on how quickly plaque builds up and how well you take care at home.
Can vaping or smoking affect my gums?
Tobacco and vaping are among the worst things for gum health. Nicotine reduces blood flow, hiding bleeding gums while allowing silent damage. Vaping’s dry heat creates perfect conditions for bacteria growth.
Smokers have 4 times higher risk of advanced gum disease. Quitting dramatically improves treatment success. We can recommend local cessation programs that have helped many of our patients.
Will I need to take antibiotics for gum disease?
Antibiotics aren’t routinely used for most gum disease cases. We may prescribe localized antibiotic gels or chips placed in deep pockets. For aggressive infections, short-term oral antibiotics might be needed.
However, the real treatment is removing plaque and tartar. Overusing antibiotics can cause resistance, so we reserve them for specific situations when absolutely necessary.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
Your gums are the foundation of your smile, so they deserve expert care. Call us at 980-550-5572 whether you’ve noticed bleeding when brushing, persistent bad breath, or just want to prevent future problems. Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Rankin provide personalized gum treatments in our comfortable Charlotte office, using the latest techniques to stop gum disease.
Don’t wait until you feel pain. Call Mallard Creek Family Dentistry or request an appointment online. Early treatment could mean the difference between a simple cleaning and complex procedures.