Periodontal Therapy: An Overview
Gum disease is a serious dental concern that affects a significant portion of the adult population. Even with the best home care routine, dental visits are extremely important for preventing gum disease and intercepting problems in the early stages.
Not only is gum disease a concern for dental health, but it may contribute to a number of other health concerns, including heart disease, diabetes, premature birth, low birth rate, and other chronic health conditions. Our dentists take a holistic approach to dentistry, considering a person’s overall health and wellness as well as their dental health.
Causes & Symptoms of Gum Disease
There can be many factors that contribute to gum disease. Some of the most common include:
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Family history
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes in women
- Stress
- Certain medications
- Teeth grinding
- Poor nutrition, obesity, or disease such as diabetes
Gum disease is known as a “silent disease” because most patients don’t experience pain or obvious symptoms until the condition has progressed. Common signs of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, or sore gums
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Persistent mouth sores
- Persistent bad breath
- Changes in the fit of dentures
Periodontal Therapy: What to Expect
Treatment for Gum Disease
We perform many periodontal treatments in our Severna Park dental office, focusing on the prevention and treatment of gum disease. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the stage and severity of gum disease, as well as your overall dental health. After a thorough examination, we will recommend the most appropriate solution for your dental health.
- Scaling & Root Planing
- Antibacterial Rinses
- Oral Hygiene
- Oral Surgery
For patients with complex cases, we may recommend oral surgery to restore health and function to the teeth and gums.
Gum Disease Prevention
In many cases, gum disease can be prevented through routine oral hygiene, regular dental cleanings, and biannual visits to the dentist office. Incorporating these key steps into your dental care routine may help reduce your risk of gum disease.
- Floss daily
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Drink water in between meals
- Receiving routine dental cleanings
- Visit the dentist at least twice a year for preventive care exams
- Use mouthwash
Schedule an Appointment
If you are exhibiting any signs of gum disease it is imperative that you seek treatment as soon as possible. We offer a full range of periodontal therapy solutions in our Severna Park dentist office. If you would like to learn more, contact us or request an appointment online.