Periodontal disease is an affliction of the gum tissues caused by hardened tartar that introduces a constant bacterial presence at the gumline. Also known as gum disease, this pervasive condition has different degrees of severity. The earliest form is known as gingivitis. Initial symptoms include gums that bleed easily when brushing and flossing as well as issues with chronic bad breath. In many cases, the gums might also look red or inflamed.
For most people, gingivitis symptoms can be treated and reversed by a simple dental cleaning at London Bridge Smiles. Our highly trained staff can then help you improve your daily oral hygiene routine. This can effectively prevent gum disease from recurring.
If you procrastinate seeking professional treatment and improving oral hygiene measures, gingivitis can exacerbate into the more dangerous form of gum disease known as periodontitis. This level of inflammation and infection in the gum tissues starts to cause the gums to recede from the base of your teeth. Eventually, pockets of infection start to form near the roots of your teeth.
The severe, chronic gum infection can even result in the loss of bone structure near the roots of your teeth. In some cases, severe periodontitis might require prescription antibiotics to effectively treat and resolve the problem.
Consistent improvements in your daily oral hygiene routine is the best preventative measure against gum disease. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth twice each day. You should then floss each evening between your teeth and along the gumline. Be sure to also floss behind each of your rear molars.
If you live in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and you have periodontal disease concerns, you should call 757-340-8805 to seek professional diagnosis and remediation from our dentists, Drs. Kessler and Foster-Kessler.