If your gums are tender, red or swollen, or if they bleed easily, you may suffer from periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, which is also known as gum disease, is a degenerative condition caused by bacteria in plaque, which accumulates on the teeth. When not treated, periodontal disease can result in the loss of teeth, gum tissue and bone, in addition to contributing to bad breath. While gum disease is not curable, we can treat the condition and keep it under control to protect your oral health. Our team can provide periodontal maintenance to help treat periodontal disease and prevent the serious effects of the condition.
You can protect your oral and overall health with an ongoing program of periodontal maintenance. Periodontal maintenance involves visiting our office on a regular basis, typically between every three or six months, or as recommended by our team, for a professional cleaning. These treatments include thorough cleanings both above and below the gumline, removing plaque, tartar (hardened plaque, also called dental calculus), and bacteria to prevent the condition from worsening. Periodontal maintenance is recommended every three months because, when biofilm is not removed, the periodontal bacteria begin to flourish within three to 12 weeks. By providing a cleaning at 12 weeks (three months), we are able to remove these bacteria and keep the condition under control. To learn more about periodontal maintenance and how we can treat gum disease, we welcome you to call or visit our office today.