Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a serious condition that impacts the health and structure of your gums and teeth. Bacteria in dental plaque that builds up along your gumline causes gum disease. While it starts as seemingly harmless gingivitis, gum disease can progress to advanced stages, threatening oral health and loss of teeth.. At both Periodontics of Cherry Creek and Mountainview Periodontics and Dental Implants, we dedicate ourselves to being the best gum disease specialist in Glendale and Parker, helping you combat gum disease with effective, personalized treatments.
The Levels of Gum Disease
There are multiple stages of gum disease, each with its symptoms and associated risks:
1. Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first and most mild stage of gum disease. It typically presents as gum irritation, redness, swelling, and bleeding during brushing or flossing. The condition is reversible at this stage with proper dental care and improved oral hygiene.
2. Periodontitis
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis. This stage involves inflammation spreading below the gumline, which now affects the bone support surrounding the teeth.. Bacteria cause the bone levels to deteriorate and gums to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets where debris and plaque collect. Untreated periodontitis can lead to more advanced periodontitis, which is explained below.
3. Advanced Periodontitis
At the advanced stage, significant damage occurs to the supportive structures of your teeth, including the bones and ligaments. Teeth may loosen or even require extraction. Treatment at this stage often involves deeper interventions, such as surgery, to restore oral functionality and prevent further progression.
How Gum Disease Affects Your Oral Health
Gum disease doesn’t just affect your gums; it impacts your oral health and can even have broader implications on your general health. Gum infections can lead to the destruction of connective tissues, bone loss, and eventual tooth loss. Additionally, research shows that untreated gum disease can exacerbate conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues, which is why it’s essential to recognize the early warning signs—such as bad breath, gum irritation, and bleeding—and seek care from a gum disease specialist in Glendale and Parker.
Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
The good news is that gum disease is largely preventable with consistent and proactive oral hygiene practices. Here are some effective strategies to keep your gums healthy:
- Brush and Floss Daily: Brushing twice daily and flossing at least once daily can help remove plaque and prevent buildup around your gumline. Proxa brushes are also recommended to stimulate the gum between teeth.
- Use a Waterpik: The waterpik helps to irrigate and flush the pockets of food debris and bacteria that can contribute to the progression of gum disease.
- Use Anti-Bacterial Mouthwash: A therapeutic mouthwash can reduce harmful bacteria and keep gum inflammation at bay.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Seeing your dentist every six months helps remove plaque and tartar professionally and allows for early detection of potential issues.
- Eating a Balanced Diet: Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids, can strengthen your gums and boost your resistance to infection.
- Avoid Smoking: Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for gum disease as it reduces blood flow to the gums and weakens the immune response.
What to Do If You Suffer from Gum Disease
If you’re experiencing the symptoms of gum disease, early intervention is crucial. As a gum disease specialist in Glendale and Parker, we provide a comprehensive range of periodontal therapies to halt progression and restore your oral health. Treatments include:
- Non-Surgical Methods: Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) effectively removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line. Additionally, we may prescribe antibiotic treatments to manage bacterial infections.
- Surgical Treatments: For more advanced cases, flap surgery, osseous surgery, and LANAP laser surgery are available. Flap surgery involves folding back the gums to remove deep-seated plaque and tartar. In contrast, osseous surgery goes further by reshaping the bone around teeth to reduce defects contributing to gum disease. LANAP laser surgery offers a modern, minimally invasive alternative to traditional osseous surgery, without cutting or stitching.
- Bone Grafting: When bone loss creates pot holes or craters in the bone, we may recommend bone grafting to preserve your jawbone and stabilize your teeth.
No matter the stage of your condition, our experts are here to guide you toward healthier gums and a lasting smile.
Your Trusted Gum Disease Specialist in Glendale and Parker
We’re dedicated to safeguarding your oral health at both Periodontics of Cherry Creek and Mountainview and Periodontics and Dental Implants. Dr. Maryanne Butler and Dr. Amy Riffel lead our practices with expertise and compassion, serving patients in Glendale and Parker.
We are here to provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs. Our services include tissue grafting, dental implants, crown lengthening, surgery to treat gum disease, and much more! Our team ensures you receive the best treatment for a healthy, beautiful smile.Take the first step toward healthier gums today. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with your gum disease specialists in Glendale and Parker.
