Gum Disease & Treatment in Cottonwood Heights UT

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What Is A Periodontist in Cottonwood Heights UT

This is a dentist that has gone beyond the basic education of dental science to specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of periodontal disease. This requires three additional years of study beyond the normal degree for dental sciences or medicine. It also qualifies a periodontist to work with implants as well as perform more cosmetic procedures such as gum lifts.

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What is Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first, most common, and least serious form of gum disease. Because it doesn’t usually involve pain, it is often common for people to not even realize they have it. Gingivitis is characterized by red, swollen, tender gums, which are prone to easy bleeding. Some professional dental attention, as well as diligent brushing and flossing, is usually enough to fight a gingivitis infection.

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What Is Periodontitis

This is a more serious form of gum disease that some patients in Cottonwood Heights develop, and can often be caused by gingivitis that is ignored. When periodontitis sets in, this weakens the gums. If left untreated, it can lead to loose teeth that move around in the gums and, eventually a loss of teeth as they are no longer able to remain anchored in the mouth.

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How Do You Get Gum Disease

There are many reasons a person can contract gum disease. Consistent breathing through the mouth, for example, can lead to an infection of the gums as you are constantly exposing your mouth to bacteria. Regular smoking can also lead to gum disease; smoking weakens the gum’s ability to fight infection, making it more vulnerable. Increased hormonal activity during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can also lead to gum disease as hormonal changes can affect the gums. And of course, poor oral hygiene can also lead to gum disease.

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What Is Halitosis

Halitosis is, simply, “bad breath,” and this can be another symptom of gum disease. Because bacteria are breeding in your mouth, this can be a persistent, long-term case of halitosis that even cosmetic mouthwashes can only hide for short periods.

When it comes to gum disease, it’s essential that you take good care of your mouth, and make sure a professional regularly examines you. That way, early gum disease can be treated before it becomes serious, and serious gum disease can be addressed before you lose teeth.

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Gum Disease Treatment

Though often neglected or forgotten, the gums - and even saliva - play a vital role in the healthy state of your mouth. Teeth aren’t floating in the air; they are anchored in the jaw through the gums, which firmly hold them in place. Without the gums protecting both the teeth and the jaw, infections and other ailments have a much higher chance of taking hold.

That’s why if you should contract gum disease, you should get this treated as quickly as possible.

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What Is Gum Disease

Gum disease has numerous causes, but it usually occurs when an infection is given the opportunity to take hold of the gums. The mildest form of gum disease is known as gingivitis. This results in inflammation of the gums, making them easier to become damaged or to bleed.

Many different factors can lead to gum disease. These include regular breathing, which constantly brings in bacteria and is hard on the gums. Smoking is another culprit, as it inhibits the gum’s ability to heal and misaligned teeth can distort the shape of the gums and allow bacteria easier opportunities to get inside. Even hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can affect the health of gums and make them more susceptible to gingivitis.

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Why Is Gum Disease Bad

In addition to the bleeding and general soreness, gum disease can lead to a more severe version known as periodontitis. This can have a snowball effect, growing more pronounced, infecting your gums and eventually weakening them, which can lead to a loss of teeth. Your gums are an anchor that helps to hold your teeth in place. Once they become infected, they can no longer perform this role and may, in turn, infect the teeth themselves.

Added to this, there is the chance that periodontitis if left untreated, can go beyond the mouth and send its bacteria throughout the rest of your bloodstream. There have even been studies that indicate a link to heart disease may be more pronounced by people who ignored the periodontitis in their mouth.

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How To Treat Gum Disease

Gum disease can start with something as simple as occasional bleeding while brushing or flossing — but even early signs shouldn’t be ignored. Left untreated, gum disease can progress and eventually lead to serious oral health issues, including tooth and bone loss.

At Van Leeuwen Dental in Cottonwood Heights, UT, we take gum health seriously. While we are not a periodontal specialty office, we do provide effective treatment for mild to moderate gum disease right here in our practice. In more advanced cases, we may refer you to a trusted periodontist in the area for specialized care.

For many patients, the first step in treatment is scaling and root planing — also called a deep cleaning. This thorough, non-surgical procedure removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, helping to eliminate infection-causing bacteria and promote healing.

What truly sets our care apart is our personalized approach. Every patient is different — and so is every treatment plan. Our highly trained dental hygienists will not only perform your treatment with precision but also educate and guide you each step of the way, ensuring you feel confident and empowered about your gum health. We’ll tailor our recommendations based on your specific needs, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

If your gums are bleeding, swollen, or sensitive — or if it’s just been a while since your last dental visit — don’t wait. Early intervention is the key to preventing more serious problems down the road. Contact Van Leeuwen Dental in Cottonwood Heights today to schedule an exam and take the first step toward a healthier smile.

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Gum disease in Cottonwood Heights UT may start as just a little bit of bleeding on your gums, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. If you bleed a lot when you brush or floss, you should consult a dentist to get your gums more carefully examined.  Contact our team at Van Leeuwen Dental is here to help.