According to the Centers for Disease Control, half of adults over the age of 30 suffer from some stage of gum disease. This disease not only causes uncomfortable symptoms, but could lead to adult tooth loss! Fortunately, your Brighton, MA, dentists can offer periodontal treatment to keep your smile safe.
The Cause of Gum Disease
What causes gum disease? The issue starts with inflammation, also known as gingivitis. This could be brought on by plaque buildup, a bacterial byproduct that develops as bacteria break down particles of sugar and starch. Lack of brushing and flossing and regular dental cleanings could allow the buildup to grow more severe and inflame the gum tissues. Other factors include tobacco use and a family history of periodontal issues. Without treatment, this could cause the gums to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. Bacteria enter these pockets and cause the disease.
Symptoms and Risks
Gingivitis and the early stages of periodontal disease could cause sore, red gums that bleed easily. Swelling and recession could also occur. Without treatment, the disease could reach the advanced stage known as periodontitis. At this point, the tissue connecting the teeth and gums could deteriorate. This leads to loose and even lost teeth! In fact, this is the number one cause of adult tooth loss. Care is necessary to either reverse gingivitis, or to help manage gum disease to prevent the late stages and the risk of tooth loss.
Potential Treatment Options
For gingivitis or the early stages of the disease, we could offer a deep cleaning. Using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool, our team can break up the buildup on the teeth and roots, and then polish the teeth. This could take one visit, or up to four, it all depends on the severity of the buildup. For more severe cases, we could use gum surgery to remove diseased tissues and allow healthy gingival tissues to connect to the teeth, closing pockets and helping us manage the disease with traditional cleanings every three to four months. Good care at home can help too, such as daily brushing and flossing, cleanings every few months, and avoiding tobacco products of all kinds.
If you have any questions about our periodontal treatments, or about possible preventive actions, then contract our team today to learn more. We want to help you and your family enjoy a whole and healthy smile for years to come!
Do You Need Periodontal Treatment?
We would like to help smiles avoid the dangers of periodontal disease. You can schedule a consultation to arrange your next visit, and more by calling Brighton Family Dental Group in Brighton, MA, today at (617) 562-5210. We proudly welcome patients from Brighton, Watertown, Cambridge, Brookline, and all surrounding communities.
