Periodontal Treatment To Protect Your Gums

Gum disease, which ranges from gingivitis to periodontitis, can wreak havoc on your smile. It’s a bacterial infection that can lead to swollen gums, bad breath, and even tooth loss! But don’t worry, Dr. Pauline and Dr. Howard are here to help you fight back. Our approach to gum disease is personalized, effective, and designed to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

Understanding The Stages

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is characterized by inflamed gums. This is caused by the buildup of bacteria in plaque under the gumline, which cause irritation to your gum tissue. At this stage, there is no bone loss, and it is usually reversible.

However, if gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. This is a more advanced stage of gum disease where the infection spreads below the gum line, damaging the bone and supporting tissues that hold your teeth in place. This leads to bone loss, which is not reversible, and can ultimately result in tooth loss.

Are You at Risk for Periodontal Disease?

Poor oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly is essential for preventing plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to gum disease.
Smoking: Smoking weakens the immune system and can make it more difficult for your body to fight off gum infections.
Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease.
Certain medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, can increase your risk of gum disease.
Genetics: Some people may be genetically predisposed to periodontal disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

The early stages of periodontal disease may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses to periodontitis, you may experience:

Red, swollen, or tender gums
Bleeding gums
Loose teeth
Bad breath
Receding gums

Our Approach to Periodontal Disease Treatment

Thorough examinations: We’ll take a close look at your gums and teeth to assess the extent of your problem and do thorough scaling and root planing.

Personalized treatment plan: We’ll create a plan that’s tailored to your specific needs and set up recurring appointments to monitor and evaluate how your gums are responding to treatment.

Comfortable and effective procedures: Our goal is to customize your treatment to provide release against this disease. We also give you the right information to adjust your at-home gum care.

Beyond Your Treatment

We’re not just here to fix the problem, but we are committed to helping you prevent future issues! We’ll give you tips and advice on how to help you maintain healthy gums and a beautiful smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can gum disease lead to tooth loss?

Yes, it can. It's important to maintain good oral hygiene and visit our practice regularly to prevent and treat gum disease, preventing it from progressing to periodontitis.

How can I prevent gum disease?

Brush your teeth twice a day
Floss daily and use mouthwash
Quit smoking
Eat a healthy diet

Can I reverse gum disease?

Yes, if caught early, gum disease can be treated successfully. However, once the disease progresses to periodontitis, it becomes practically impossible to reverse.