Periodontal disease, better known as gum disease, is a chronic bacterial infection of the gums and bone that surround the teeth. This is caused by bacteria buildup in the mouth.
Gum disease affects over half of American adults and is the leading cause of tooth loss.
Gingivitis: This is the mildest form of gum disease. It is characterized by red and swollen gums. Patients with gingivitis may notice that their gums bleed easily while brushing and flossing.
Periodontitis: This is the advanced form of gum disease, which results from untreated gingivitis. In this stage, the bacteria infecting the gums causes gum recession and tooth loss. Periodontitis can also destroy the jawbone over time.
Although the effects of periodontal disease are serious, treatment is straightforward. We offer effective, non-surgical gum disease treatment at Southill Dental Group.
Do I Have Gum Disease?
Take a look at some of these signs and symptoms of gum disease. Do any of them apply to you?
- Red and puffy gums.
- Bleeding gums.
- Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth.
- Changed bite or spacing between teeth.
- Loose teeth.
- Pus around teeth and gums.
- Receding gums.
- Tenderness or discomfort in gums.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you could be suffering from periodontal disease. Come see one of our professionals for an evaluation. Southill Dental will make sure that you get the diagnosis and care that you need.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment
We use a basic method to treat periodontal disease: scaling and root planing.
This is essentially a below-gums deep cleaning, done to remove bacteria and plaque from both the teeth and gums. This treatment also smooths the tooth roots, which reduces your risk of progressive gum disease in the future.
It is always best to treat gum disease preventatively. Getting any sore and swollen gums or infected pockets good and cleaned out will keep your entire mouth healthy.
Treat Your Gum Disease Today!
Don’t hesitate to express your concerns or ask any questions you may have. To learn about this periodontal treatment at Southill Dental Group, just give us a call today.