Periodontal, or gum, disease is a degenerative dental condition caused when the bacteria in plaque infect and inflame the gum tissues. During each of your regular dental appointments, your dentist and his team will check your mouth for signs of this condition to ensure that you can receive treatment as soon as possible.

Common signs of gum disease include:

• Red or swollen gums
• Tender gums
• Gums which bleed easily
• Loose teeth
• Pain when chewing
• Persistent bad breath
• Gum recession

We strongly recommend that you practice good oral hygiene and visit our office regularly for preventive care. This will help minimize your risk of developing gum disease and ensure that the condition can be diagnosed early if you do develop it. Untreated periodontal disease can lead to bone loss, gum recession and tooth loss. In addition, this condition has also been linked to systemic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

If you are diagnosed with gum disease, your dentist will carefully evaluate your mouth to determine which type of treatment or combination of treatments will provide you with the best results. Treatments we may recommend include antibiotic treatment, scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), improved at-home oral hygiene, and gum surgery.

Contact our office today to find out more about gum disease treatment and schedule your appointment with one of our dentists.