Gum Disease Therapy – Vero Beach, FL
Protecting Your Oral and Overall Health
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems in the world. For years, we’ve known that if left untreated, it can lead to permanent tissue damage, bone damage, and even tooth loss. However, recent findings have shown that this infection of the gums can affect your overall health in addition to your mouth. At Premier Dental, we want to ensure that our patients stay as healthy as possible, which is why you should know some of the most common symptoms of this disease and when you need treatment.
Common Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease in Vero Beach, is an infection or inflammation of the gums that can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. This problem is typically caused by plaque buildup due to poor oral healthcare. Fortunately, if gum disease is caught early on, it can be completely reversed. That’s why it’s important to understand and recognize these common warning signs:
- Red or puffy gums
- Swollen or tender gums
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Teeth that appear longer
- Pockets beneath teeth
- Sores in your mouth
You may also experience loose teeth or changes in your bite. This can occur because gum disease can damage the tissue that supports your smile. If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact our office right away for immediate treatment.
What Happens During a Periodontal Screening?
We provide careful periodontal screenings because early gum disease detection is key. During your routine checkup, we will use a tiny instrument called a probe to measure the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums. These pockets are small free spaces at the bottom of each tooth. In a healthy mouth, your gum tissue will fit snugly around each tooth for a strong support.
Gum disease creates bigger pockets, which become perfect homes for plaque and bacteria that allows this disease to fester. By performing a periodontal screening at least once a year, we can measure the depth of these pockets and ensure that you’re free of gum disease. If we do notice symptoms, we’ll recommend treatment immediately.
Gum Disease Therapy
If your gum disease has reached a point where regular oral healthcare and dental cleanings won’t remedy the symptoms, we will recommend scaling and root planing. This treatment, sometimes called a deep cleaning, can effectively remove disease-causing plaque and bacteria. Plus, it will make it harder for infection to occur in the future. First, one of our highly trained prosthodontists will scale your smile to remove plaque from above and beneath your gumline. Then, they will reach under your gums to smooth out your tooth roots, making it much harder for bacteria to collect in the future. Sometimes, this treatment alone is enough to stop gum disease in its tracks, but it can also be used every 3 to 6 months for patients with more severe gum disease.
If it sounds like you could benefit from gum disease therapy, contact our office to take your first step toward a healthy smile!