What is Gum Disease?
Many people are unaware of the severity and consequences of untreated gum disease. Unfortunately, some choose to ignore the signs of this condition, such as pain, swelling, or bleeding gums, thinking they’re simply minor issues caused by poor dental hygiene. However, periodontal disease can have serious health effects beyond the mouth, making it crucial to address and treat it properly.
Ongoing scientific research has revealed a strong link between oral disease and various health issues such as cardiac disease, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, and birth defects in babies born to mothers affected by periodontal disease. At DDG, our dental professionals are committed to protecting and improving the oral and overall health of our patients and the community at large.
Our doctors are equipped to stop and reverse the progression of gum disease, preventing tooth loss and averting potentially life-threatening health problems. We offer advanced, effective, safe, and efficient periodontal disease treatments to our patients, ensuring that they receive the best possible care for their oral health.
Types of Gum Disease
Gum/Periodontal Disease can eventually lead to tooth loss and other health problems.
- Gingivitis Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease and is a mild form of gum disease that results from inflammation of the gums. It is typically caused by a buildup of plaque on the teeth, which can lead to bacteria accumulating on and around the gums. This can cause the gums to become swollen, red, and sensitive, and they may bleed easily when brushing or flossing. Fortunately, if identified early enough, gingivitis can be treated before it advances to periodontitis through professional treatment and proper home oral hygiene practices.
- Periodontitis If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is a more severe form of gum disease. In periodontitis, plaque can spread and thrive under the gum line, leading to bone loss around the teeth. Bacteria growing beneath the gum line release toxins that cause inflammation, leading to the decay of tissue and supportive bone around the teeth. This can cause the gums to recede from the teeth, creating pockets that become increasingly infected and can deepen over time, causing further destruction of bone and teeth.
If left unchecked for a significant amount of time, periodontitis can cause tooth loss and may require teeth to be removed. It’s essential to seek professional treatment and maintain good oral hygiene practices to prevent the progression of gum disease and protect your oral health.
Periodontal Treatment Options
At DDG, our doctors are dedicated to rebuilding and maintaining the oral and overall health of our patient family. When presented with a patient suffering from gum disease, our first priority is to restore their periodontal health using the least invasive and most cost-effective methods available.
However, the longer a patient waits to have their teeth and gums checked and cleaned, the greater the likelihood that periodontal disease will progress to the point where surgery and even tooth extraction may be necessary. That’s why it’s crucial to seek regular dental care and maintain good oral hygiene habits to prevent the advancement of gum disease and protect your oral health.
- Gum Infection Therapy is a non-surgical periodontal treatment for patients with gum disease (Periodontitis). It involves a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the tooth surfaces and below the gum line. To prevent future plaque buildup and recurrence of periodontitis, we encourage patients to maintain ongoing gum cleaning, flossing, and regular professional care to keep their gums healthy. By following these practices, patients can help ensure the long-term success of their periodontal treatment and maintain good oral health.
- Periodontal Health Maintenance typically involves regular check-ups every 3-4 months, depending on the severity of the patient’s gum disease. During these appointments, the our hygienist will perform a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums. In addition to the professional cleaning, our patients will also receive guidance on proper oral hygiene practices and tips on how to maintain healthy gums at home. This may include recommendations for brushing and flossing techniques, as well as information on the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Your oral health is an essential component of your overall well-being, and healthy gums are key to maintaining it. If you are experiencing bleeding, swelling, or discomfort in your gums, it is essential not to ignore these signs of potential gum disease.
By scheduling an appointment with our experienced DDG doctors and hygienists, you can take proactive steps to protect your oral health and prevent the pain and potential tooth loss associated with periodontal disease. Our skilled team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to restore your gum health and prevent further damage.
At DDG, we are committed to providing the highest quality of care to our patients, and we take pride in helping our patients achieve and maintain healthy gums and teeth. So don’t wait any longer, schedule an appointment today and let us help you achieve optimal oral health for a lifetime of healthy smiles!
