What is Gum Disease?
When it comes to a healthy mouth, your gums are just as important as your teeth.
Gum disease is a common problem, with some estimates suggesting it impacts over 60 million American adults.
Bacteria in your mouth slowly produce plaque.
Plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing.
But left alone, plaque will become tartar, which can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning.
Tartar causes a gum disease called gingivitis. Gingivitis and its more serious form periodontitis are conditions that require treatment to prevent infection or loss of teeth.
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should ask your dentist about gum therapies:
- Pain when chewing
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gum line
Treat the Problem at its Source with Gum Therapies
The best way to treat gum disease is to prevent it.
This means daily brushing and flossing.
It also means two yearly trips to the dentist for cleanings.
If prevention fails, it is critical to catch gum disease early, because the more it progresses, the more invasive the treatment becomes.
If you have significant gum disease, your dentist may recommend a scaling and root planning procedure.
This involves scraping all tartar and plaque off your teeth and your gums.
Then, the teeth are smoothed down, which eliminates small pockets that bacteria tend to hide in.
This procedure is done with a local anesthetic to maximize comfort.
In some cases, surgery may be required.
The gum line is surgically moved so that invasive tartar can be cleaned away from underneath them.
If the bone has been eaten away, new material can be grafted on so that the gums can heal correctly.
Partner with Shah Dentistry to Prevent Gum Disease
Watch carefully for signs of gum disease. For many, regular brushing and flossing are enough to prevent it. But when prevention fails, do not hesitate to get treatment. Contact Shah Dentistry today to begin discussing the best option for you.
Reviews
Dr. Shah is a compassionate, caring, skilled dentist. I am not a fan of going to the dentist (any dentist), but Dr. Shah always takes the time to make me feel at ease. He recently gave my smile a much needed makeover with 5 porcelain crowns and I couldn't be happier.
Jane S.
Google
Great service from the entire office. Scheduling is always a positive experience, cleanings are fast and effective and more-involved services are always conducted pain free. I also appreciate that Dr. Shah takes time to speak with you and set you at ease. Insurance and billing are always addressed in a timely manner. I would recommend this practice to everyone!
Lindsay M
Google