What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a serious gum infection that can cause damage to the jawbone. Left untreated, gum disease causes loose teeth and even tooth loss. Periodontitis is normally caused by poor oral hygiene, commonly affecting adults in their thirties and forties, but is completely preventable with dental cleanings and good oral hygiene practices.
How do I prevent gum disease?
Because gum disease is most commonly caused by poor oral hygiene, the best way to prevent it is through regular dental cleanings and properly cleaning your teeth at home.
Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth twice a day and use an antibacterial mouthwash to help eliminate bacteria and prevent infection. Then, every six months, schedule an appointment with Presidential Dental Group for professional dental cleanings and comprehensive dental exams to check for gum disease.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
The most common signs and symptoms of gum disease include:
- Swollen gums
- Bright red gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Receding gums
Healthy gums are pink and fit snugly around your teeth. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss or are starting to pull away from your teeth, schedule an appointment at Presidential Dental Group as these are all common signs of gum disease that may require treatment.
You may also notice pus around your gums and teeth or persistent bad breath if you have gum disease. Don’t ignore the signs of gum disease. Untreated, periodontal disease eventually causes your teeth to fall out.
What periodontal services treat gum disease?
Periodontal care is scheduled if your dentist discovers you have gum disease. Treatment of gum disease involves professional cleaning between your teeth, along the gum line, and below the gumline to prevent damage to your jawbone.
Advanced stages of periodontal disease may require surgical treatment. Presidential Dental Group offers nonsurgical periodontal services to treat gum disease, including:
- Removing tartar and bacteria from teeth
- Cleaning below the gumline with scaling
- Root planing to smooth root surfaces and discourage the buildup of tartar and bacteria
- Antibiotic prescription to eliminate and prevent infection
To learn about available periodontal care at Presidential Dental Group, use the online booking tool or call the practice to schedule an appointment today.
