Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, it is an infection that affects the tissues and bone that support your teeth. Gum disease is one of the top reasons for tooth loss in adults, and because it is virtually pain-free, many patients do not know they have the disease. Gum disease can become a severe health problem if left untreated.
Gum disease is caused by bacteria that live in our mouth. When certain types of bacteria outgrow the others, this is the beginning process of gum disease.
Treating Gum Disease
Depending on several health factors and stages of gum disease, we can recommend the correct treatment. At the early stages of gingivitis, a professional dental cleaning and maintaining regular dental cleanings can be enough to treat gum disease. If gum disease progresses beyond gingivitis, we can treat gum disease at our Plantation dental office by a treatment call scaling and root planing. In more advanced cases of periodontal disease, periodontal surgery and bone graft surgery may be necessary.
Risk Factors for Gum Disease
- Smoking or using chewing tobacco
- Diabetes
- Certain types of medication such as steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives
- Bridges that no longer fit properly
- Crooked teeth
- Old fillings
- Pregnancy
Preventing Gum Disease
Regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are important for maintaining your health and the health of your smile. You don't have to lose teeth to periodontal disease, and by practicing good oral hygiene at home, you can significantly reduce your chances of ever getting gum disease. In our more than 25 years of experience treating gum disease, the dentists at Dolphin Dental Care have helped many patients in the early stages of gum disease maintain the healthy condition of their mouths.
Remember to brush regularly, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits at Dolphin Dental Care to help keep your smile healthy!
