periodontal disease

Practicing positive oral health habits such as brushing and flossing daily can prevent the buildup of plaque between your teeth, which can cause periodontal disease, or gum disease. An estimated 65 million Americans have periodontitis, the advanced form of gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gum disease can loosen your teeth and even lead to tooth loss, so it’s crucial to stop it in its early stages.

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What is gum disease?

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Gum disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting your teeth. It develops when plaque accumulates along your gum line, causing your gums to become inflamed. Healthy gums appear coral pink and firm and form a sharp point where they meet your tooth. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. In this stage, the gums redden, swell and bleed easily; however, there is usually little to no discomfort with gingivitis.

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What Causes Gum Disease?

Plaque buildup is the primary cause of gum disease. If plaque isn’t removed each day by brushing and flossing, it hardens. The hard plaque, known as tartar, contains bacteria that can irritate gums and break down the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets that fill with bacteria. This can lead to severe infection, pain and swelling. Your tooth or teeth also may loosen and require removal. Other factors linked to gum disease include smoking and tobacco use, pregnancy, stress clenching or grinding of teeth, an unhealthy diet, diabetes and genetic factors.

Can Gum Disease Affect My Overall Health?

Yes. People with gum disease may be more likely to develop heart disease or have difficulty controlling their blood sugar, and pregnant women with gum disease are more likely than those with healthy gums to deliver preterm, low birth-weight babies. Removing plaque through daily brushing and flossing and visiting your dentist twice a year for cleanings are the best ways to minimize your risk of gum disease.

Gum Disease Treatment

In the early stages of gum disease, most treatments involve a special cleaning by your dentist, referred to as scaling and root planing. Scaling involves scraping off the tartar from above and below your gum line. Root planing gets rid of rough spots on your tooth root where germs gather and helps remove bacteria from your mouth. Your dentist also may prescribe special mouthwashes or topical treatments. A laser also can be used to provide fast and minimally invasive gum disease treatment. More advanced cases may require surgical treatment to remove the infected gum tissue or teeth.

How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?

Removing plaque through daily brushing and flossing and visiting your dentist twice a year for cleanings are the best ways to minimize your risk of gum disease. You also can lower your risk by maintaining a healthy diet and abstaining from tobacco use.

Contact Us Today for Gum Disease Treatment

If you’re suffering from the effects of gum disease, contact the experienced team at DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry today. Our dental professionals will be able to provide a full exam and determine whether you have gum disease, how severe it is, and the proper form of treatment. We look forward to helping you restore your oral health!

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For more information on periodontal disease or to schedule an appointment, call us at (202) 363-2810 or visit our contact page.

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DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry provides patients with exceptional dental care. Our experienced dentists and staff strive to ensure that each visit is a pleasant experience. We are proud of the relationships we have established with our patients over the years and thank them for their loyalty and trust. To see what our current patients have to say about our comprehensive dental services, check out our reviews! 

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