Periodontal Disease

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a serious but preventable gum infection that can also damage your jawbone. Gum disease causes loose teeth and left untreated, it can lead to the loss of your teeth. Periodontitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene and most commonly affects adults in their 30s and 40s.

How do I prevent periodontal disease?

Because periodontal disease is mostly caused by poor hygiene, the best way to prevent it is through regular cleanings at the dentist and cleaning your teeth properly at home. If you smoke, quitting can help prevent periodontitis. At home, thoroughly brush and floss twice a day and use antibacterial mouthwash and toothpaste to help prevent infection. Then, twice a year, schedule an appointment with Elegant Smiles of Matawan for oral cleanings and comprehensive dental exams that check for periodontal disease. If you have periodontal disease, your provider recommends the appropriate treatment.

How is gum disease treated?

Treatment of gum disease requires professional cleaning of the area between your teeth and gums to prevent damage to your jawbone. Advanced periodontal disease may require surgical treatment. Elegant Smiles of Matawan offers several nonsurgical options to treat gum disease, including laser gum surgery and local delivery of antibiotics to the gums, which is less invasive than traditional periodontal surgery. Common non-surgical gum disease treatments include:

• Scaling to remove tartar and bacteria from tooth surfaces and beneath gums
• Root planing to smooth root surfaces and discourage the buildup of tartar and bacteria
• Antibiotics to control infection

To learn about your options for gum disease treatment, use the online booking tool or call the practice to schedule an appointment today.

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

Healthy gums are pink, provide support for your teeth, and fit snugly around your teeth. Diseased gums are swollen, bright red, and bleed easily. If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, you should schedule an appointment at Elegant Smiles of Matawan for a checkup as it is a common sign of gum disease. 

Periodontal disease causes the gums to recede, making your teeth look longer and creating new spaces between your teeth. Initially, you may see pus around gums and teeth and experience persistent bad breath. Untreated periodontal disease will eventually cause you to lose your teeth.

Find out if you need periodontal disease treatment. Schedule an appointment online or call the practice today.