Do You Want To Know Why Gum Therapy Is Critical To Good Health?

Gum Disease (periodontal disease)

Gum disease:

• Hides in your mouth.
• Destroys gum tissue and teeth.
• Can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and pregnancy complications.

Don’t think it’s your problem?

Researchers estimate that up to 80 percent of the population unknowingly has gum disease in some form.

What Are the Signs?

Signs of gum disease:

• Gum that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth.
• Red, swollen or tender gums.
• Pus between your teeth when you press your gums with your finger.
• Pain when chewing.
• Calculus or tartar buildup.
• Teeth that change position.
• Change in your bite.
• Change in the way your partial dentures fit.
• Bad breath or a chronic bad taste in your mouth.
• Teeth that are overly sensitive to hot and cold.

Diagnosis

A thorough oral examination, including x-rays, is crucial to diagnosing periodontal disease. In most cases, we recommend an in-office exam and tooth cleaning for all adults twice a year.

At that time, we may use a special instrument called a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the pocket between your teeth and gum tissue.

The pocket depth measurement, clinical examination and x-rays help us determine the precise location, extent and severity of your gum disease.

Treatment

The treatment you require depends on the advancement of your gum disease.

Bacteria multiplying around the roots of your teeth require up to three months before they start destroying bone. Frequent cleaning can prevent this buildup.