Specialist Gum Disease Treatment in Marietta
Maintaining a dazzling white smile long into the future is only possible with healthy gums. Backed by years of experience as a family dentist in Marietta, Dr. Shaila Mohip-Chahwala tackles gum disease using a range of preventive and restorative dental treatments. Visit the friendly, caring dental team at Shining Smiles Family Dentistry for a thorough examination of your gums and some practical solutions to address periodontitis.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is an infection of the tissues around your teeth. The infection causes inflammation, soreness and swelling that can potentially lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Thankfully, with the right dental care from Dr. Mohip, gum disease can be treated before the bacteria causes severe infection.
Gum disease is often caused by an incorrect or irregular brushing and flossing routine. Whether through an inconsistent dental hygiene routine or other factors like genetics, smoking or obesity, you can experience a buildup of plaque on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky bacterial film that hardens into tartar as the bacteria reproduces. At this stage brushing and flossing won’t help, and you need professional dental cleaning.
Common Symptoms Typically Associated With Gum Disease
- Chronic bad breath
- Sores in your mouth
- Loose or separated teeth
- Receding gums
- Bleeding gums with normal brushing and flossing
Why Is Early Stage Gum Disease Treatment So Important?
Gum disease goes through multiple stages as the condition worsens. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease which – as gums become more inflamed – can turn into periodontitis. If you don’t treat the infection at the early stages treatments can become more complicated, and there is a risk of tooth loss and other issues.
When you visit our Marietta dental office for a routine dental cleaning and oral exam, Dr. Mohip will check your gums for signs of infection. At this stage, it is possible to use non-surgical treatments like scaling to remove the plaque and tartar. It may also be beneficial to take antibiotics to fight the infection.
If you notice any signs of gum disease, it’s important to make an appointment as soon as possible. When treated early, gum disease can be a mild condition. Dr. Mohip can also recommend some dental care changes to improve your oral hygiene.
How Common Is Periodontitis and How Is It Diagnosed?
Periodontitis is one of the leading dental issues for people age 30 and over. One study found that over 47% of all survey participants had a form of periodontal disease, while 64% of those age 65 and older had moderate or severe periodontitis.
To effectively treat the issue, your dentist will need to review your dental history and perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums. A buildup of plaque and tartar is a common sign, along with expanded periodontal pockets between the teeth and gums. An X-ray can also indicate issues with the teeth and bones.
Common Questions About Gum Disease
What are treatment options for gum disease and periodontal disease?
For mild to moderate cases of gum disease, cleaning the pockets around the teeth and establishing a better oral hygiene routine is usually effective. For advanced cases where tooth loss has occurred, more invasive procedures, such as dental implants and crowns, may be required.
Can gum disease lead to additional health problems?
It is possible that gum disease could cause additional health problems if left untreated. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream and increase the risk factors for stroke, heart disease and diabetes for people with a compromised immune system.
What changes can I make to reduce the chance of gum disease?
Maintaining consistent brushing and flossing each day should be your first step in preventing periodontal disease. Avoiding teeth grinding will put less strain on the teeth and gums, while a focus on healthy living will strengthen your immune system against bacterial infections.
We Can Help Treat the Signs of Gum Disease
Shining Smiles Family Dentistry provides family, restorative and cosmetic dental care and treatment from our dental office in Marietta. If you are concerned about gum disease or any other dental issue, Dr. Mohip-Chahwala and our team will ensure you get the best possible care. For assistance, call (770) 420-8550 or request an appointment now.
