What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the soft tissues around your teeth. Left untreated, the condition can progress over time and erode the bone and tissues supporting your teeth, leading to loose, unstable teeth and tooth loss.
Periodontal disease can cause red, swollen, or bleeding gums in its earliest stage, known as gingivitis. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include periodontal pockets, receding gums, pus-filled abscesses, bad breath, and changes in how the teeth fit together (occlusion).
In addition to its impacts on your oral health, periodontal disease can affect your overall health. The progressive condition has been linked to an increased risk of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and more. Prompt treatment of gum disease will safeguard your oral and overall health.
What Are the Causes of Periodontal Disease?
The leading cause of periodontal disease is plaque and tartar buildup on or below the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that continually forms on the teeth when food particles and saliva mix. If not removed by brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings, plaque hardens to tartar, which irritates the gum tissues, leading to inflammation and infection.
Aside from plaque and tartar, risk factors that increase the risk of periodontal disease include poor oral hygiene, diabetes, smoking, crooked teeth, genetics, natural aging, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions or medications. If you are concerned about developing periodontal disease, talk to Dr. Krampe. He will assess your risk factors and recommend ways to keep your gums healthy.
How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?
Treating periodontal disease starts with a deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing. The non-surgical treatment involves removing plaque and tartar from around and under your gum line, followed by cleaning and debriding your tooth roots. That helps prevent further plaque and bacteria accumulation beneath your gum line. We offer different levels of cleaning depending on your unique needs.
After deep cleaning, you will require periodontal maintenance visits every three to four months to maintain your gum health. That involves performing dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar from below your gum line where regular brushing and flossing cannot reach, which helps prevent harmful oral bacteria from building up and causing further damage to your teeth and gums. We will also measure the depth of your periodontal pockets and evaluate your gum health. Dr. Krampe will recommend interventions as needed to keep your gums as healthy as possible.
Periodontal Therapy Near
Me in Holland, MI
If you have signs of periodontal disease, contact Shoreline Smiles to schedule a consultation. Dr. Krampe will evaluate your unique needs and create a custom treatment plan to restore your gum health and help you keep your teeth for a lifetime.
Dr. Krampe and his team welcome families in Holland, MI, and the surrounding communities to experience the Shoreline Smiles difference. Contact our office at 616-392-4198 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!