Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, affects the structures of the mouth that support the teeth. It is caused when bacteria in the mouth forms a sticky film (plaque) on the teeth and gums that is not properly cleaned off, which then hardens into a crust known as tartar. The bacteria in the plaque and tartar causes infection that can lead to pain, gum damage, bone loss and even tooth loss if not properly cared for, and will only worsen with time. Gum disease can lead to heart disease, low birth weight, and more severe diabetes.
What to Expect
At every hygiene appointment, the hygienist will record and monitor the health of your gums, and measure any recession with a probe. This will allow her to create a plan to improve your health and prevent periodontal disease. Periodontal disease may cause gums to bleed, swell and recede away from teeth. Fortunately, this disease can be treated through lifestyle changes, medications, and a special type of cleaning known as scaling root planing, including bone regeneration and debridement. Depending on the stage of the disease, surgical methods can be used to reverse some or all of the damage.
With cooperation between you and our dental team, we will be able to restore health to your gums and protect teeth from becoming loose. To keep these results, it is crucial to maintain great oral hygiene and regular dental visits.