Gum disease is swelling or soreness of the gums around your teeth. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky colorless film that forms on your teeth. The plaque bacteria have toxins that inflame the gums. If you do not remove plaque by brushing and flossing your teeth, it can build up and infect your gums, teeth, and the bone that supports them. If left untreated, this may lead to loosing your teeth.
The signs of Gum Disease are not always easy to see and can be painless. The earlier gum disease is caught, the easier it is to treat. That’s why its important for the patient to be vigilant in having regular dental appointments.
Oftentimes, patients can undergo non-surgical treatments to restore periodontal health. Examples of non-surgical periodontal treatments include:
- Scaling and Root Planing – This procedure is used to remove bacteria and built-up tartar from deep within the gum pockets surrounding the teeth. It usually involves supplemental therapy, such as the use of topical antibiotics.
- Tray Delivery – Used to treat periodontal disease, tray delivery systems are at-home antibiotic treatments used in pre-measured trays.
Did you know…that periodontal disease is a serious epidemic throughout the U.S.? Although the disease is not contagious, it can be found in half of all adults over the age of 30. According to the Centers for Disease Control, periodontal disease can range from mild (gingivitis) to severe (periodontitis). Approximately 16 percent of Americans have either the mildest or most severe forms of periodontal disease, leaving about 30 percent with a moderately advance case of the disease. |
