What is periodontal disease?
Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is a collection of inflammatory conditions that impact the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth, known as the "periodontium." Similar to tooth decay, gum disease is caused by harmful bacteria found in dental plaque and tartar that accumulate around the teeth and beneath the gums. Since gum disease often progresses without causing pain, it may go unnoticed. Therefore, it is crucial to uphold good oral hygiene practices and regularly visit your dentist for checkups, professional cleanings, and routine care. Additionally, being mindful of the signs and symptoms of gum disease is essential for maintaining a healthy smile.
Some indications that you may have periodontal disease include:
- Inflamed and red gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Receding gums and exposed tooth root surfaces
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Teeth that feel loose
- New spaces developing between the teeth or a change in the bite
- Change in the fit of existing partial dentures
- Discharge around the teeth and gums
- Sharp or dull pain when biting down or chewing food
The Importance Of Good Oral Health
Maintaining a healthy smile goes beyond just keeping your teeth and gums in good shape. It also plays a crucial role in supporting your overall health. Recent studies have shown that periodontal disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, is linked to various medical issues such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory problems.
Here at Lakeview Family Dentistry, we prioritize the significance of preventing, detecting, and treating periodontal disease at an early stage. Our goal is to offer patients the necessary guidance, support, and treatment to ensure their periodontal health remains optimal.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, which may not cause noticeable discomfort but has specific signs to watch out for. If your gums bleed when you brush, appear red and swollen, or feel tender, it is likely that you have gingivitis.
The good news is that if gingivitis is treated early, it can prevent further damage to the gums that occurs in later stages of gum disease. Even though there is inflammation, the overall health of the gums in this stage is still intact.
Treating gingivitis at this point is often enough to reverse the disease and prevent permanent damage to the gums. Deep dental cleanings, improved oral hygiene at home, and regular maintenance can help stop the progression of this stage of gum disease.
Let Us Help You Maintain Optimal Periodontal Health
At Lakeview Family Dentistry, we provide individualized and advanced solutions to ensure your gums stay healthy and your smile looks and functions beautifully. Our highly skilled team uses cutting-edge technology and treatment techniques to address various periodontal conditions and requirements.
With the latest advancements in dental care, our periodontal treatments not only stop the progression of gum disease but also offer effective solutions such as bone grafting and regenerative procedures. These procedures help repair tissue damage, restore bone volume, enhance aesthetics, and provide sufficient support for dental implant placement.