Gingivitis & Periodontal Therapy In Toledo & Sylvania

At our Dental Practice in Sylvania

Periodontal disease, often called gum disease, is a common problem among adults. The erosion of the gums around teeth can vary from minor, with just a little inflammation of the gums, to a serious problem that can cause tooth loss. Periodontal disease is caused by the bacteria that is found naturally in your mouth. Brushing can clear away that bacteria, but it grows back quickly and, without regular dental care, can cause periodontal disease. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, serious illnesses such as cancer, hormonal changes in women, heredity and some medications. Periodontal disease typically begins to arise in adults who are in their 30s or 40s, and is more common in men than among women.

Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontal disease. As the bacteria in plaque builds up, gums become swollen and may bleed easily. Left untreated, it can progress to the more serious periodontal disease. The standard cleaning procedures in dental offices (e.g. scaling and root planing) help remove plaque and tartar and help reduce bacteria, but unfortunately bacteria reproduce quickly, so it is difficult to control between office visits.

Gingivitis Periodontal Therapy

Symptoms of Periodontal disease

  • Receding gums around the base of the tooth
  • Bad breath that does not go away
  • Red, swollen or tender gums
  • Bleeding when brushing or flossing
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Pain when chewing
  • Pus between your teeth and gums
  • Sores in your mouth

The team at Dental Health Associates in Toledo has extensive education and experience in the treatment of Gingivitis and Periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can remain unnoticed and painless until it comes to a point where there is already serious damage to the gums and supporting bone around your teeth. At your visit, we will clearly explain your condition and use the latest non-surgical techniques to treat your periodontal disease. We will make sure that you are comfortable and pain-free during any necessary treatment. We also work with the top periodontal specialists in the area, and can refer you if we find that your treatment needs are beyond what we can provide.

If you choose not to have gum surgery, Dental Health Associates also offers the Perio Protect® method. Perio Protect® is a comprehensive method customized for each patient to help manage biofilms, which are communities of bacteria growing in the spaces or pockets between teeth and gum tissue. The overall goal of the PerioProtect Method™ is to manage oral bio film with minimally invasive dentistry for lasting oral health.

Why Should You Treat Gum Disease?

Gum Disease treatment Sylvania

Gum disease can start off quietly; you may be unaware that gum tenderness and occasional bleeding could indicate the presence of a more serious problem. However, if left untreated, gum disease progresses into major dental issues, leading to infection, bone loss, and tooth loss. With treatment, you will be able to:

  • Get rid of harmful bacteria in the mouth
  • Prevent bone loss in the jaw
  • Eliminate bad breath, also known as halitosis
  • Reduce redness, swelling, and tenderness of the gums

There is also a connection between gum disease and other health conditions, such as stroke and heart disease, and diabetes. Treating the condition may lower your risk of developing these issues.

The Difference Between Plaque and Tartar

Plaque is a white film that constantly forms on the teeth. The colorless substance adheres to the teeth and hosts bacteria that release damaging acids which cause tooth decay and gum irritation. Inflammation is responsible for this gum irritation and leads to gingivitis and gum disease. Plaque can be removed through brushing and flossing; however, if the substance is not removed on a consistent basis, it remains on the teeth and hardens into tartar, also called calculus.

After plaque has hardened into tartar, it can no longer be removed by brush and flossing. Professional intervention is needed at this point to remove buildup and restore the health of your teeth and gums.

Is Gum Disease Contagious?

Periodontal disease is the result of your body’s inflammatory response to the bacteria found in gums and can spread via saliva. If you or someone in your household has periodontal disease, you may want to avoid sharing utensils and oral health instruments. In general, you should avoid coming into contact with the saliva of those with periodontal disease. With this said, if you notice that your spouse, family member, or anyone in your household is exhibiting signs of gum disease, such as consistent bad breath or swollen gums, suggesting they seek treatment could improve the oral health of everyone in the house.

Non-surgical Treatment Options

Our team will use non-surgical treatment options to address your condition.

During scaling and root planning, a deep cleaning focusing on the tooth surfaces will be performed. Plaque, bacterial toxins, and other substances will be removed from your periodontal pockets through scaling. When this tooth root is smooth, it is more difficult for plaque to stick to it, improving the health of your gums. While for many patients see improvement after having scaling and root planing alone, additional treatments may be provided based on the condition of your gums.

Gingivitis and Periodontal Therapy in Sylvania

At Dental Health Associates of Sylvania, our team prides itself on our expertise in providing effective gingivitis periodontal therapy. We put an emphasis on prevention and education and are dedicated to helping patients improve and maintain excellent dental health. A healthy mouth and smile are important to your wellbeing, and our experts are here to support you throughout every step of your journey to great oral health. If you are ready to seek gingivitis periodontal therapy, contact our office at 419.882.4510 today.