Love Your Gums: The Importance of Periodontal Care

Periodontal (gum) disease is a serious, progressive condition that remains the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. At Cream City Dental, we are committed to supporting your gum health. We offer periodontal care and maintenance to prevent the infection and inflammation from advancing and impacting your smile. You can always count on us for exceptional, personalized care.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal or gum disease is a chronic, progressive condition that affects the gums, bone, tissue, and ligaments that hold your teeth in place. Its main cause is poor oral hygiene. Without daily brushing and flossing, plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, begins building up along and below the gum line, irritating the gum tissue and leading to inflammation. Additional risk factors include smoking, a family history of gum disease, misaligned teeth, and health conditions such as diabetes.

Gingivitis, the beginning stage of periodontal disease, is characterized by red, puffy, or bleeding gums. Without prompt treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease, which can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. The infection can sometimes enter the bloodstream, leading to serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems.

What Are the Most Common Warning Signs of Gum Disease?

Here’s a look at some of the most common warning signs of gum disease:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Tooth pain or sensitivity in response to chewing or pressure
• Bad breath that persists despite regular brushing and flossing
• Gum recession that leaves your teeth appearing longer than normal
• Loose or shifting teeth as the infection destroys the tissues supporting your teeth

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?

While gum disease cannot be cured, it can be controlled with treatment and ongoing care. At Cream City Dental, we typically recommend a non-surgical deep cleaning, a procedure known as scaling and root planing, to restore your gum health. This involves gently removing plaque and tartar deposits from along and under your gum line, followed by smoothing your tooth root surfaces. Scaling and root planing help promote healing and prevent further buildup of plaque and bacteria.

After treating gum disease, we typically recommend periodontal maintenance visits every 3 to 4 months. During your appointments, we will thoroughly clean your teeth, ensure your gum disease is under control, and intervene, if needed, to prevent further damage to the structures supporting your teeth. We also emphasize the importance of maintaining meticulous at-home oral hygiene habits, including regular brushing and flossing. Scaling and root planing, regular periodontal maintenance, and at-home care can typically keep periodontal disease from progressing, preventing its impacts on your smile.

Periodontal Care Near Me in Wauwatosa, WI

Contact Cream City Dental to learn more about our periodontal care and maintenance services, designed to keep your gums as healthy as possible and your teeth intact. Dr. Ibrahem and his patient-centered team are dedicated to providing top-tier, compassionate care tailored to your specific needs. We invite you to call 414-476-4777 to schedule an appointment or request one online today.