Periodontal Disease
Healthy gums are the foundation of a beautiful smile. Periodontal disease (or periodontitis) is a serious infection that damages the periodontium (the gum and bone supporting the teeth) and without treatment can progressively destroy the attachment supporting your teeth, resulting in the teeth becoming loose, appearing long and unaesthetic, and eventually needing extraction. Our goal is to catch and treat the disease early and stop the recession with gentle and effective care, and offering advice to improve your daily hygiene regime for maintenance.
The Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease typically progresses in two main stages:
Gingivitis: The earliest stage is marked by red and swollen gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss. At this stage, the damage is completely reversible with regular professional cleaning and improved home care.
Periodontitis: If left untreated, gingivitis likely becomes periodontitis, with loss of attachment of the teeth, forming "pockets" between the gum and teeth that house bacteria. This leads to further attachment and bone loss, receding gums that are unsightly and eventual tooth loss.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Gum disease is often "silent" and may not be noticable until there is considerable damage. Contact us if you notice:
Persistent Bad Breath: An unpleasant taste or smell that won't go away after brushing and flossing.
Bleeding Gums: Seeing pink in the sink after brushing.
Receding Gums: Your teeth appearing longer than they should be.Loose Teeth: A feeling of movement in the teeth and concern that eating may loosen the teeth further or cause pain.
The Mouth-Body Connection
Research shows that periodontal disease is linked to more than just your mouth. Chronic gum inflammation is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and respiratory issues. Treating your gums is a vital step in protecting your overall general health.
Our Treatment Solutions
We use a range of therapies to halt the infection and help your gums heal:
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Scale and Clean: A thorough professional clean to remove plaque and tartar around and above the gum line.
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Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): We carefully smooth the root surfaces to remove bacteria deep under the gum line, allowing for some reattachment to the teeth.
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Antibiotic Therapy: In some cases, we apply targeted anti-bacterial medication to the infected pockets to eliminate stubborn bacteria.
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Maintenance Programs: Once the infection is under control, we’ll set up a tailored schedule of frequent check-ups to ensure your gums stay healthy.
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Referral to a gum specialist (periodontist): If the periodontal disease is too advanced, it may be recommended to see a gum specialist that would have a much higher chance of stopping the disease process.
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