Gum Disease Treatment & Prevention Specialist

What is gum disease?

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is a condition that negatively affects the health of the gums. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, such as tooth loss. 

The precursor to full gum disease is gingivitis, where plaque starts to build up in teeth and between teeth and gums. This plaque traps bad bacteria, which leads to inflammation of the gums.

As gingivitis progresses to periodontitis (gum disease), the gums start to pull away from the teeth and form deep pockets filled with plaque and bacteria.

If left untreated, these plaque-filled pockets start to destroy the surrounding connective tissues and bones. The tooth can eventually loosen and may even fall out. Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. 

How can I prevent periodontitis?

Fortunately, steps can be taken to prevent periodontitis. As gum disease stems from a buildup of plaque, properly controlling plaque is the easiest way to prevent it. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day as recommended by your dentist.

Both are important, as brushing removes plaque from your teeth and flossing removes plaque from below your gum line. In addition, two professional teeth cleanings per year are the recommended standard. 

How is gum disease treated?

If gum disease does occur, treatment varies depending on severity. Options range from deep cleaning (to remove plaque and bacteria from the pockets) for mild flare-ups to surgery for more advanced cases. Potential surgical procedures include:

• Bone grafts
• Soft tissue grafts
• Bone surgery
• Pocket reduction surgery

Each procedure is designed to address a specific issue. To discuss your options -- or to learn more about periodontitis and what you can do to prevent and treat the condition -- call or go online today to schedule your first appointment with the experts at Goldstein & Freud, DDS, PLLC.