Healthy Smile Equals a Healthy Body
Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease or infection) is one of the most common health problems in the world, as well as the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. It has been correlated to systemic diseases such as Diabetes, Heart disease, Stroke and other chronic inflammatory diseases. At Valley View Dental, Dr. Jennifer Miller and the rest of our team take this threat very seriously. We strive to protect patients with thorough periodontal screenings and revitalizing treatment options that are personalized to fit your needs. Bleeding gums act like an open wound to allow bacteria and other irritants into the rest of the body.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Common indications of gum disease include the following:
- Gums that bleed when brushing and/or flossing.
- Gums that seem overly puffy, tender, and/or red.
- Excessively bad breath.
- A change in the way certain teeth or your bite feel.
- Teeth that appear longer and longer over time (a sign of gum recession).
If you think you have gum disease, contact our office.
Why is it important to diagnose gum disease early?
Unlike some medical conditions that can go away on their own, gum disease only gets worse over time. When we find and address the problem early on, you can avoid more intensive and intrusive treatment down the line. Coming to your six-month checkup and cleaning appointment helps ensure that we’ll catch it sooner rather than later, helping your smile stay healthy and protected from infection.
Is gum disease curable?
At Valley View Dental, our recommendation for gum disease treatment will depend on the severity of your condition. More frequent dental cleanings with our hygiene department may be enough to combat the effects of early-stage gum disease (also known as gingivitis), while involved care could be necessary for moderate to severe cases.
PerioProtect®
Dr. Miller strongly recommends PerioProtect® as an effective and Conservative at-home method for treating the dangerous bacteria that contribute to gum disease. The process is simple – our team will provide you with FDA approved custom trays that deliver the proper medication to the areas where the tooth brush and floss do not reach. The patient simply places the medication in the trays and wears them in the comfort of their own home. The medication is able to move under the gums and treat the pockets where bacteria live; to decrease the infection, give you fresher breath and whiter teeth.
Gum Therapy
Periodontal therapy is a Special cleaning to address the gum infection. First, removal of bacteria from below the gum line and then removal of the cause of the infection. Advanced soft tissue laser treatment is also available, which reduces the amount of bacteria precisely and comfortably while stimulating healing.
Contact Valley View Dental to learn more about gum disease and how to treat it.