Gum Disease

Many of our patients suffer from periodontal (gum) disease, which can range from simple inflammation of the gums to a serious disease that can result in significant damage to your soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the very worst cases, teeth may be lost. <br><br><p>Our doctor performs treatment for gum disease for patients in our region.</p><h2>What are the main causes of gum disease?</h2>The mouth is full of bacteria that along with mucus and other particles form a colorless, sticky plaque on the teeth. If this plaque hardens it forms tartar that can only be removed by professional cleaning by our dentist. The longer this plaque and tartar are left on your teeth, the more harmful they become as this bacteria causes “gingivitis”, which is known as an inflammation of the gums. With gingivitis, your gums become swollen and red, and can bleed easily. For most patients gingivitis is mild and treated with daily brushing, flossing, and routine professional cleaning in our practice. <br><h2>How does gingivitis compare to periodontitis?<br></h2>With gingivitis, there is no loss of tissue or bone that holds the teeth in place. If your gingivitis is left untreated, it may develop into periodontitis. With periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth to form pockets that become infected. As the body’s immune system fights the bacteria, this can combine with the bacterial toxins and start breaking down the connective tissue that holds your teeth in place, along with the bone. If left untreated, your gums and bone can deteriorate and tooth loss may occur. <br><h2>What are the symptoms of gum disease?<br></h2>Some of the symptoms of gum disease include receding gums, tender or bleeding gums, swollen or red gums, and loose or sensitive teeth.<br><h2>What are the risk factors for developing gum disease?<br></h2>Some of the risk factors include diabetes, smoking, certain medications, and genetics.<br><h2>How does my doctor treat gum disease?<br></h2>First, our doctor performs an oral examination. Your treatment depends on the severity of your condition. Our doctor will discuss the condition of your gums and the various treatment options. Often in mild cases of gum disease good daily home care, changing certain behaviors and routine dental examinations are necessary. In advanced stages of gum disease additional treatments will be required. Our doctor will discuss the various options of treatment with you.

Our doctor performs treatment for gum disease for patients in our region.

What are the main causes of gum disease?

The mouth is full of bacteria that along with mucus and other particles form a colorless, sticky plaque on the teeth. If this plaque hardens it forms tartar that can only be removed by professional cleaning by our dentist. The longer this plaque and tartar are left on your teeth, the more harmful they become as this bacteria causes “gingivitis”, which is known as an inflammation of the gums. With gingivitis, your gums become swollen and red, and can bleed easily. For most patients gingivitis is mild and treated with daily brushing, flossing, and routine professional cleaning in our practice.

How does gingivitis compare to periodontitis?

With gingivitis, there is no loss of tissue or bone that holds the teeth in place. If your gingivitis is left untreated, it may develop into periodontitis. With periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth to form pockets that become infected. As the body’s immune system fights the bacteria, this can combine with the bacterial toxins and start breaking down the connective tissue that holds your teeth in place, along with the bone. If left untreated, your gums and bone can deteriorate and tooth loss may occur.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

Some of the symptoms of gum disease include receding gums, tender or bleeding gums, swollen or red gums, and loose or sensitive teeth.

What are the risk factors for developing gum disease?

Some of the risk factors include diabetes, smoking, certain medications, and genetics.

How does my doctor treat gum disease?

First, our doctor performs an oral examination. Your treatment depends on the severity of your condition. Our doctor will discuss the condition of your gums and the various treatment options. Often in mild cases of gum disease good daily home care, changing certain behaviors and routine dental examinations are necessary. In advanced stages of gum disease additional treatments will be required. Our doctor will discuss the various options of treatment with you.