Pain. Inflammation. Bleeding gums. These are just a few of the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis or gum disease. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to the destruction of tissues which support your teeth, leading to tooth loss and even damage to your jawbone.
Fortunately, periodontics can help you combat periodontal disease. We can offer periodontal screenings to help detect gum infection early and then develop a customized periodontal disease treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.
Learn more by connecting with the Columbia Smiles team at 410.690.4855 today. Our general dentistry services can help you keep periodontal disease at bay and restore healthy gum tissue.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease damages the soft tissue of the gums and can destroy bone as well. How does gum disease and infection happen? It follows these stages:
- Plaque, made up of bacteria and food debris, forms on the surface of your teeth.
- The plaque hardens into a substance known as calculus or tartar.
- If left untreated, the bacteria and debris can cause periodontal pockets to form around your teeth and gum line.
- This can lead to periodontitis, where your gums become swollen and infected and begin to recede away from the teeth.
Periodontal disease is incredibly common. The CDC even estimates that 47 percent of adults age 30 or older have some form of gum disease. To help mitigate this issue, periodontal disease treatment is available, contact Columbia Smiles for additional information.
How Periodontics Can Help
At Columbia Smiles, we believe that periodontal disease treatment begins with prevention. Establishing good oral hygiene habits early on is important, as gum disease primarily affects older adults. Regular brushing and flossing can prevent the buildup of the plaque that leads to tartar. Also, regular cleanings every six to 12 months are crucial to remove the buildup that brushing and flossing alone can’t reach. Your dentist will also be able to check for early signs of gingivitis before it leads to gum disease.
Columbia Smiles will be able to help you with your gum disease. If you are concerned that you have developed periodontitis, your dentist can check for these symptoms:
- Red or swollen gums
- Consistently bad breath
- Pain when chewing
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Loose teeth or loss of teeth
- Changes in your bite
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums
At first, your dentist will assess the progress of gum disease. Next, they will come up with a treatment plan. This will typically involve cleaning the pockets around your teeth where harmful plaque can build up. Oral antibiotics can also help eliminate infection-causing bacteria. Finally, more invasive procedures might be necessary for more advanced gum disease. Dental surgery can replace lost gum tissue and prevent further recession. Since bone loss is also possible with advanced gum disease, some treatments can encourage new bone growth. Our experienced professionals can help you find the right periodontal treatment in Columbia, MD.
Periodontal Treatment in Columbia, MD at Columbia Smiles
While stopping gum disease before it starts is ideal, some people are at higher risk for periodontitis. Gum disease is common, and it is never too late to establish good habits. Brushing and flossing complement regular cleanings, where your dentist can check for early signs of gum disease.
At Columbia Smiles, we understand that going to the dentist can be a stressful experience. Not knowing what to expect can cause anxiety. Yet we have worked hard to create a comfortable, welcoming environment. Experience the difference our caring, friendly staff can make. We are ready to listen to your concerns and walk you through each step of the process of treating gum disease.
If you have bad breath, swollen gums, or bleeding which is common with periodontal disease, speak to our staff about your concerns. We will work to find the right treatment plan for you, helping you regain your healthy smile. Since your oral health is connected to your overall well-being, taking care of problems early is critical. Left unchecked, advanced periodontal disease can lead to problems when harmful bacteria enter the bloodstream.
Contact Columbia Smiles Today for Periodontal Disease Treatment
Find out why patients across Howard County have trusted Columbia Smiles for decades. If you are concerned about the symptoms of gum disease, think you need periodontics in Columbia, MD, or want to talk about preventative measures, contact us today. Our team, led by Dr. Michael Hsu, is ready to help. Call us at 410.690.4855 or contact us online to speak with one of our staff and experience the Columbia Smiles difference.