Gum disease, also called periodontal disease (from the Greek for “around the tooth”), is a common oral health condition. Almost half (47.2%) of U.S. adults age 30 or older have some form of periodontal disease. That percentage jumps to just over 70% among seniors.
Penn Dental Family Practice (PDFP) offers advanced, effective gum disease treatment in Philadelphia. Read on for details about the causes and consequences of gum disease, symptoms to watch for, and how our Philadelphia dentists for gum disease can get your gums in good health.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Plaque buildup causes gum disease. Plaque is a sticky bacterial film that forms on teeth. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (also called calculus).
When tartar forms on the teeth, it creates a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Gum inflammation and infection follow.
While plaque is gum disease’s immediate cause, other factors can contribute to its development—some within our control, others not. These factors include:
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Tobacco use
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications
- Genetics
- Certain medical conditions like diabetes and autoimmune diseases
- Poor nutrition
What Are the Stages of Gum Disease?
Gum disease progresses through four stages:
- Gingivitis
The gums become red and swollen, and may bleed easily. But timely and proper treatment can return gums to their healthy state. - Mild Periodontitis
The gums’ inner layer starts pulling away from the teeth. The resulting pockets trap food particles and bacteria. Brushing and flossing can’t reach these pockets, leaving plaque and bacteria free to damage the supporting bone of the gums. - Moderate Periodontitis
The gums not only continue receding but also feel sore. Teeth start to decay quickly. Bacteria eat away at the ligaments, soft tissue, and bone holding your teeth in place. Infection (pus) builds around the gum line, and your breath may smell bad. - Advanced Periodontitis
Chronic pain and bone loss continue, leading to loose and lost teeth. Advanced gum disease can also impact your overall health. Studies link gum disease to systemic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Pain or discomfort while chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Pus between teeth and gums.
If you notice any of these symptoms, visit a periodontist—a gums specialist or dentist for gum disease treatment—as soon as possible. Early intervention can help keep gum disease from progressing and causing more serious problems.
What Treatment Options for Gum Disease Are Available?
Several effective treatment options for gum disease exist.
- Home Care
Practicing good oral hygiene at home helps remove plaque and stop it from accumulating. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwashes all make a vital difference.
Limiting sugary food and drink and quitting tobacco use can also significantly reduce your risk of gum disease. Both these changes also offer a host of other benefits to your overall health. - Professional Cleaning
Dental professionals recommend regular dental cleanings to remove plaque buildup, tartar, and bacteria that can contribute to gum disease. Most patients benefit from dental cleanings every six months. Those with advanced gum disease will need more frequent treatment. - Scaling and Root Planing
This deep cleaning involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smoothing the tooth roots to prevent bacteria buildup. - Antibiotic Therapy
In more serious cases, antibiotics taken orally or applied directly to the gums can help control infection and reduce inflammation. - Periodontal Surgery
In more advanced stages of gum disease, periodontal surgical procedures may be necessary. Such surgery can include gum grafting to repair receding gums, or bone grafting to restore lost bone tissue.
Your periodontist will evaluate your specific condition and develop a personalized gum disease treatment plan for you.
How Can I Get Gum Disease Treatment in Philadelphia?
Regular dental visits play a critical role in detecting and treating gum disease during its early stages.
During these visits, general dentists and dental hygienists conduct thorough cleanings to remove plaque buildup. They can also identify the warning signs of gum disease and provide appropriate treatment plans, including referrals to periodontists.
The periodontists at PDFP are well-versed in managing all stages of gum disease. They use state-of-the-art technology, the latest evidence-based methods, and patient-centered techniques to get and keep your gums in good health.
The Philadelphia periodontists at PDFP are among the most highly regarded in the field. Many are faculty at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. You will receive treatment from widely acknowledged periodontal experts.
And with insurance, the cost of a periodontist’s services can fit your budget. Our three insurance plans make treatment affordable. We also offer prepayment discounts on selected services, as well as convenient, affordable financing options.
You can achieve healthy gums by partnering with PDFP periodontists for gum disease treatment in Philadelphia.
Schedule your appointment online now or call us at 215-898-PDFP (7337).
