What is gum disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is one of the most common oral health problems. In fact, the prevalence of periodontal disease in the United States has been reported as high as 47% of the adult population. It occurs when food particles mix with your saliva and form plaque on the surfaces of your teeth and beneath your gum line.
Over time, plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Plaque and tartar both contain harmful bacteria that cause inflammation and irritation. This irritation makes your gums and the attachment of your tooth into the jaw bone recede, increasing your risk of tooth loss and bone damage.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
About half of Americans over the age of 30 have periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. In its early stages, gum disease doesn’t always present obvious symptoms. However, as it progresses, telltale signs include:
Signs of Periodontal Disease
- Bleeding gums
- Red, swollen, and tender gums
- Receding gums
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
- Pus within or near the gums
- Shifting of teeth
As gum disease gets worse, you might also notice spaces between your teeth where the gums no longer exist. When your gums recede, your teeth can become loose or even fall out. Gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, is often reversed with proper dental treatment and good at-home oral hygiene.
What causes gum disease?
Factors that increase your risk of developing gum disease are:
Causes of Periodontal Disease
- Poor oral hygiene
- Older age
- Dry mouth
- Smoking/vaping
- Poor nutrition
- Ill-fitting dental restorations
- Genetics
- Certain medical conditions
- Some medications
- Hormonal changes in women
You can’t always avoid periodontal disease, but healthy lifestyle habits and regular dental cleanings greatly reduce your risk of developing it.
How is gum disease diagnosed?
To diagnose gum disease, Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Bogart conducts a comprehensive oral exam. They also review your oral and general health history and ask you questions about your symptoms and oral hygiene practices. Current digital X-rays are required to make a diagnosis. If you don’t have a recent diagnostic set of X-rays, a team member will take them for you.
How is gum disease treated?
The treatment you’ll receive for gum disease depends on how severe your condition is. For milder cases of gum disease, your provider may complete less invasive procedures, like:
Treatments of Periodontal Disease
- Professionally removing bacteria and tartar
- Antibiotic treatment
- Medicated mouth rinses
- Laser dentistry
- At-home oral hygiene recommendations
- Smoking cessation advice
For more advanced cases, Dr. Jacobs and Dr. Bogart offer a wide range of treatment options:
For more advanced cases, Dr. Jacobs and Dr. Bogart offer a wide range of treatment options:
Treatments of Periodontal Disease
Most of the time, patients select periodontal care with the advanced LANAP® (laser-assisted new attachment procedure) process. This procedure is “no cut, no sew,” meaning no incisions or stitches are necessary. The overwhelming majority of patients have no postoperative pain. Dr. Jacobs and Dr. Bogart both hold certification for LANAP treatment and use the only FDA-approved laser, the Millennium Laser, for treatment.
During LANAP, Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Bogart performs periodontal surgery with an Nd:YAG laser known as the Periolase® MVP-7™. The Periolase MVP-7™ removes the infection from beneath your gum line without damaging or compromising healthy tissue.
The laser targets and kills the bacteria under your gums, so there is no need for an incision or pushing the gum back, making it virtually pain-free, unlike traditional periodontal surgery.
If you’d like to explore your treatment options for gum disease, schedule an appointment at the office of Dr. James Jacobs & Dr. Tara Bogart. Call to speak with a friendly team member or book a consultation online today.
