Gum & Periodontal Therapy

Gum disease attacks the bone support and the gum fibers around the tooth. People who have gum disease usually are unaware of it because it does not hurt.
The most common signs of gum disease are bleeding gums, puffy looking gums and even bad breath. Gone untreated, gum disease eventually leads to tooth loss. In fact, in today's society, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss.

Healthy, pink looking gums The gums represent the outer layer of the foundation of the teeth. Healthy looking gums usually represent a healthy foundation.

Red, swollen gums indicate gum disease

Red and bleeding gums represent a form of gum disease. Gum disease is caused by the accumulation of plaque, tartar and calculus around the teeth. The bacteria responsible for gum disease then use the plaque and tartar as their source of food to grow and further damage the gums and the bone.

What is more interesting though is the correlation between gum disease and other forms of medical disorder. For instance, research has shown that gum disease is a contributing factor in heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. Also, gum disease affects your immune system. Your immune system is continually working to keep the gum disease under control. This means that part of the immune system is always occupied with this task making it more likely for you to get sick easier than someone who has healthy gums. For further information on gum disease, visit the American Dental Association website by clicking here.

Through a thorough dental examination the health of your gums can be determined. If it is found that you have gum disease, the appropriate treatment can help stop this deadly disease. It is important to realize though that you also play a very important role in keeping your gums healthy. Daily brushing, flossing and use of appropriate mouth rinses are essential to having healthy gums. We’ll train you in how to properly care for your own teeth so you’ll not only get healthier, but also remain healthy.