Periodontal disease affects over 45% of adults in the U.S., manifesting in various forms, from mild gum inflammation to severe conditions like periodontitis. This serious oral health issue can lead to significant damage to soft tissue and bone, potentially resulting in tooth loss. Our dedicated dentist is committed to providing comprehensive treatments for patients dealing with any type of gum disease, whether they are new to our practice or long-time patients.
One of the primary factors contributing to gum disease is poor oral hygiene. To maintain optimal oral health, it’s essential to brush and floss your teeth regularly, along with scheduling routine professional cleanings and dental examinations. Neglecting these practices allows plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, to build up on your teeth and along the gumline. If this plaque isn’t effectively removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar over time. Tartar can only be eliminated through professional dental intervention, making regular check-ups critical for prevention.
If gum disease remains untreated, the buildup of tartar can worsen, leading to more serious symptoms. These symptoms may include swollen, reddened gums that bleed during routine activities like brushing or eating. At this point, seeking professional periodontal treatment becomes essential to prevent further disease progression and alleviate discomfort. If left unchecked, gum disease can escalate to periodontitis, the most severe stage. During this phase, the gums begin to recede from the teeth, creating pockets along the gumline that are difficult to clean effectively. These pockets can lead to rapid deterioration of overall oral health, resulting in the loss of bone, gums, and soft tissues, ultimately making periodontitis one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
Several factors increase the risk of developing periodontal disease. Inadequate oral hygiene, diabetes, smoking, and hormonal changes in women are common contributors. Certain medications can also lead to abnormal growths in gum tissue, complicating proper dental hygiene. Additionally, individuals undergoing treatment for AIDS are at a heightened risk of periodontal disease due to compromised immune systems.
Our dentist has the training and experience necessary to effectively diagnose and treat every stage of periodontal disease. If you are experiencing symptoms like chronic bad breath, sensitive teeth, swollen or bleeding gums, or pain while chewing, please contact our office to schedule a consultation. We take pride in providing excellent periodontal care to all our patients and warmly welcome new patients. For more information or to set up an appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Your oral health is our top priority!