What Is Gum Disease?
Marlton & Turnersville, NJ
Gum Disease Treatment provided by Dr. Gail Childers
in Marlton & Turnersville, NJ at Periodontal Health Professionals
 The build-up of bacteria native to the patient's mouth causes periodontal disease. Necessary for good oral health, these bacteria can become unsafe if they are not kept in check by proper oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing. They can cause tooth decay, the start of gum disease, and eventually tooth loss. It is important for patients to understand that if gum disease advances too far, it cannot be cured and will have to be managed for life. For those patients who suspect they may have the beginning stages of gum disease or who have been diagnosed and have questions regarding treatment. Please, reach out to us today at Periodontal Health Professionals.
What Causes Periodontal Disease
It is quite simple. If patients fail to remove the bacteria through brushing and flossing twice daily, it will eventually become tartar which adheres to the surfaces of the teeth. Tartar will become plaque given time and while brushing and flossing will take care of the bacteria and even some tartar build-up, it cannot remove plaque. Without removing the plaque, gum disease will set in and begin to deteriorate the patient's oral health.
If discovered in the earliest stage, known as gingivitis, gum disease can be reversed. This stage is typified by sore gums, bleeding, and overall sensitivity of the teeth and gums. In some cases, there are contributing factors which can increase the patient's chances of developing periodontal disease. If the patient is going through puberty or pregnancy or menopause, these hormonal changes can increase the probability of having gum disease. Any patient who smokes or uses alcohol also has a higher chance of having gum disease.
Symptoms and Signs
Many times, patients will be completely surprised to find they have periodontal disease because sometimes there are no outward signs of the disease. They are unaware anything is wrong. Some of the earliest signs are swollen gums, bleeding when brushing and pain while chewing.
Diagnosing Periodontal Disease
While patients may recognize they have swollen gums or bleeding while brushing, the only way to positively identify if they have the disease is to be professionally assessed. These professionals will look and check bone mass and the gumline to see if the gums are starting to pull away from the tooth structure.
Treatment for Gum Disease
The latter stages are quite disturbing and incurable. In some cases, treatments can be non-surgical but not in the latter stages. Pockets will develop between the gums and teeth, and will need to be treated. This can include surgery to rebuild both gum and bone loss.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
As simple as it sounds, it is true that the best treatment is brushing and flossing two times a day to prevent gum disease. Patients should also come in for regular cleaning sessions with our dentist as well. Some patients have no idea that gum disease can actually cause serious infections which can compromise other systems in the body. It is important to have a proper assessment done. See us today at our offices at this location Periodontal Health Professionals. Patients can also call us at (856) 702-4340 to schedule their appointment. |
