Over 45% of Americans have some level of gum disease, also called periodontal disease. In fact, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. 

Because the initial signs are mild, some people don’t even realize they have a problem until the disease has wreaked havoc on their mouths and oral health. 

If you have concerns about gum disease, we offer periodontal treatment services to help stop the progression and re-establish dental health and healthy gums.

What is Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth.
Plaque, a sticky substance emitted by oral bacteria can coat your teeth causing them to harden into tartar which will create gum tissue irritation and ultimately lead to infection. 

The early stage of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis, and it causes swelling, redness, and bleeding of your gums. If you notice any of these symptoms, give us a call so we can prevent the problem from spreading further and negatively affecting your oral health.

If your gum disease isn’t caught in the early stages, the bacteria can eat away at your connective tissues between your gums and teeth and cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, forming a gap dentists refer to as periodontal pockets.

Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease

Some common signs and symptoms of periodontal gum disease include:

• bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• tender or swollen gums
• bad breath
• receding gums
• loose teeth
• pain when chewing
  

Should you have any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation with us immediately. The earlier we diagnose the condition, the more successful your disease control will be. 

How We Can Help

At Natick Dental Health, our periodontist will examine your gums and teeth and perform a thorough diagnosis to determine if you have periodontal disease.

Using X-rays, we can check for bone loss and measure the depth of any periodontal pockets.

Sometimes removing tartar from below the gum line and smoothing tooth roots, a procedure called scaling and root planing, can turn the tide and eliminate the infection. Over time, your gums can heal and reattach to your teeth.

However, in some cases, gum disease requires more extensive treatment. 
We recommend that you schedule regular dental cleanings every six months so we can check for issues and remove any tartar or plaque buildup.

To make an appointment to check on your periodontic health, please contact us at our Natick dental office today!