At Pennsylvania Center for Dental Implants and Periodontics, “now” is always the best time to prioritize oral health. With this month designated National Smile Month, it’s the perfect occasion to remind our current and future patients of the importance of maintaining good oral health. Tips for maintaining healthy smiles include:
Do You Have Gum Disease?
If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease in its earliest stage, called gingivitis, improved oral care and professional supervision may be enough to actually reverse the disease. However, once gum (periodontal) disease is considered periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease, it can be managed, but not reversed.
Stage One: Gingivitis
If you have a mild case of gum disease, known as gingivitis, you may be experiencing inflamed gums. Your situation can often be reversed with improved at-home hygiene and regular visits to your dental professionals. But gum disease will worsen if not addressed and will then normally progress into…
Stages 2/3: Periodontitis
At this stage, the gingival infection has spread to the jawbone bone and the tissue holding your teeth in place. Gum disease at this stage is not reversible, but we can manage it. We often tackle mild and moderate periodontal disease with deep periodontal cleanings to remove the bacteria that’s now deeply rooted in your gums. If you don’t seek treatment, there’s an unfortunately good chance you will experience more advanced bone and even tooth loss.
Stage 4: Advanced/Progressive Periodontitis
Severe bad breath, tooth abscesses, difficulty chewing, swollen gums and loosening, shifting or lost teeth are common symptoms of severe gum disease that hasn’t been treated. More aggressive treatments are needed, such as periodontal pocket reduction osseous surgery, grafts, and other regenerative periodontal procedures to try to help your jaw secure your remaining teeth. In some instances of advanced periodontitis, unhealthy teeth, unfortunately, cannot be saved. Not only that, but many studies over the last decade indicate that this type of severe gum infection can spread to other parts of your body causing or worsening other diseases.
Treating Gum Disease Now and Beyond
Our periodontists and periodontal hygienists are sometimes considered the “unsung heroes” of the dental world since much of our work is somewhat hidden below the (gum) line. However, by keeping your gum tissue healthy, we help keep your teeth healthy.
If you suspect gum disease and haven’t seen a periodontist before, don’t delay seeking treatment! Contact us at either our Philadelphia or Ambler office for a consultation. Referrals are not necessary and we warmly welcome new patients.
