Periodontal/Gum Disease Treatment

Did you know most people that have gum disease aren’t even aware they have it?

Did you also know that recent studies suggest there may be strong relationships between gum disease and heart disease, diabetes, cancer and increased coincidence of pre-term, low-birth weight babies? Treating gum disease is no longer just to save your teeth….but may ultimately save your life!

Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is caused by bacteria in plaque. If not consistently removed, this bacteria builds up, infecting your teeth, gums, lower gum tissue and eventually the bone that supports your teeth – a common cause of tooth loss. This disease has three stages of progression: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis; the longer the disease has to advance, the more damage it causes. Fear not, White Mountain Smiles is here to help. With advancements in detection and treatment, we can diagnose periodontal disease early and begin treatment before complicated issues arise.

Common signs of Gum Disease

• Red, tender, and swollen gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
• Constant bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
• Gum line receding , or gums are pulling away from teeth and forming pockets
• Changes in your bite or teeth alignment, loose teeth

Gum Disease Treatment Process

• We provide a comprehensive cleaning to remove built up plaque and tartar.
• For more advanced conditions, scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) are effective treatments that are often necessary. These procedures also involve inclusive cleaning, but deeper into areas above and below the gum line. A local anesthetic is administered in conjunction with deep cleanings for your comfort.

How Can I Prevent Gum Disease Before it Starts?

Simple, everyday steps can also be taken to avoid gum disease growth, including:

• Brushing and flossing consistently at least twice day
• Using an antimicrobial mouth rinse daily to help control plaque
• Scheduling regular six month cleanings and checkups

If you are experiencing the symptoms of gum disease, it’s essential that you begin treatment. Besides tooth loss, studies have linked untreated periodontal disease to the development of severe health issues such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes and pre-term low birth-weight babies. If you think you may have gum disease, please contact White Mountain Smiles to schedule an appointment right away! (928) 532-7669