Wisconsin Dental Wellness’s Guide to Managing Gum Disease in DeForest
DeForest, WI

Gum disease doesn’t begin with pain. It creeps in quietly, maybe a little bleeding when brushing or bad breath that lingers longer than it should. What many don’t realize is that these small signs are often the earliest symptoms of a much larger problem: periodontal disease.

Gum disease affects nearly half of all American adults aged 30 and older, the CDC says. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and even heart disease and diabetes. But it’s one of the most preventable and treatable diseases in the field of dentistry if diagnosed on time.

What Causes Gum Disease?

The reason is plaque—a soft, sticky film of bacteria on your teeth. If not brushed and flossed away regularly, it hardens into tartar that can be removed only by a dental professional.

But plaque is just the first stage of periodontal disease. These factors also accelerate gum disease:

• Poor dental hygiene
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Genetics
• Chronic illnesses like diabetes
• Pregnancy-induced hormonal fluctuations
• Medicines that affect saliva production

Eventually, this buildup of bacteria causes the gums to become inflamed, or gingivitis. Gingivitis, if not treated on time, becomes periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets to accommodate even more bacteria.

The Early Warning Signs You Don’t Want to Miss

Pain is not required for something to be amiss. Gum disease is often silent in its earlier phases. The best dentist in DeForest recommends that patients watch for:

• Bleeding gums during oral hygiene practices like brushing or flossing
• Chronic bad breath
• Sore gums
• Rethreating gumlines
• Loose or shifting teeth

If one of these symptoms sounds familiar, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a dentist in DeForest who specializes in preventive and periodontal care.

How to Treat Gum Disease?

At Wisconsin Dental Wellness, care is never a case of one size fits all. It starts with a thorough assessment of your gum health – more than likely involving digital X-rays and meticulous periodontal charting to assess any gum pocket depth.

Treatment may then include:

Scaling and Root Planing

A thorough cleaning treatment that removes plaque and tartar beneath the gumline and smoothes root surfaces to heal.

Antibacterial Therapy

In others, antibiotics are applied directly to infected pockets to control bacteria.

Maintenance Permanently

Those who have had gum disease also appreciate having periodontal maintenance cleaning scheduled every 3–4 months instead of regular bi-annual visits.

Early gum disease can be reversed with the right home oral care. Late stages can be treated to preserve teeth and stop their loss. If you’re looking for the best dentist in DeForest to guide you through it, you’ll want somebody who values gum health as part of general body health.

Tips to Maintain Your Gums Healthy

Preventing gum disease isn’t about making drastic changes, but about staying consistent. Start with:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day
• Flossing once a day
• Rinsing with alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthwash
• Avoiding tobacco products
• Eating a well-balanced diet with minimal added sugars
• Scheduling regular cleanings with your DeForest dentist

These habits, in conjunction with professional care, are the secrets to a healthy mouth of any age.

Don’t Wait Until It Hurts

Gum disease does not go away on its own. The earlier it is detected, the easier it’s to treat. We’re serious about gum health here at Wisconsin Dental Wellness. So, if your gums feel off, bleed easily, or just haven’t been checked in a while, we’re here for you. Visit Wisconsin Dental Wellness today and schedule an evaluation session with a dentist in DeForest who understands your smile needs.