Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that starts with mild inflammation of the gums. This is early-stage gum disease and is referred to as gingivitis. People might also experience bleeding gums, but in some cases, there are no noticeable symptoms. Only your dentist can tell you if your gums are healthy or not.
The more advanced stage of gum disease is called periodontitis, and at this point, there is no cure for the condition, but it can be managed.
Gum disease starts when the bacteria living in plaque that develops on teeth cause an infection in the surrounding tissues of the teeth, making them red and irritated. Left untreated, this condition will eventually lead to bone recession and the loss of teeth.
Some causes of gum disease include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Plaque that builds up on teeth and hardens into calculus
- Smoking and chewing tobacco
- Hormonal shifts in females
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Misaligned teeth
- Family history
Treatment for Gum Disease
If your gum disease is mild-to-moderate, we will focus on eliminating the underlying bacterial infection and give you advice on home care to prevent a recurrence. In more advanced stages, a deeper cleaning might be needed to remove the plaque and calculus (tartar) from the teeth that reside below the gumline. When the disease is far advanced, we will work alongside you in coordinating your dental care with local specialists to optimize treatment results.
For Patients with Dental Anxiety
If dental anxiety is preventing you from visiting the dentist regularly, we can discuss your sedation options. At Clarkson Dental Group, we offer nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV moderate sedation (formerly known as IV conscious sedation or twilight sedation) to help ensure your experience here is a comfortable one. Don’t let dental fear interfere with your good oral health!
Contact Our Judgment-Free Dental Office
Whether you are seeking a new dental home in Chesterfield, MO, or if it’s been a while since your last visit to the dentist, we welcome you to Clarkson Dental Group. We are not here to make judgments about your oral health, nor can we change the past. Let us help ensure your future includes a healthy smile. Call us today or contact us online!
Gum disease is an insidious condition that many people have without even knowing about it. Gum disease (also called periodontitis or gingivitis) often develops without any signs, and by the time symptoms start showing up, the disease may be in a more advanced stage.
