Your gums play a vital role in maintaining your oral health and smile, protecting your tooth roots from decay, helping maintain proper tooth alignment, highlighting your smile and serving as the first line of defense between your body and harmful oral bacteria. Our dentist and team will check your gums for signs of periodontal disease and other problems as part of your regular dental exams. If you are diagnosed with any type of problem, we will work closely with you to create a treatment plan that meets your needs and which will help you regain a healthy mouth and smile.
Our periodontal services include:
Periodontics is a field of dental specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and related conditions. Gum disease (or periodontal disease) is an oral health condition which affects the gums and soft oral tissues. It is caused by bacteria in the mouth that irritate and inflame gum tissues. This irritation causes an infection, which will eventually result in gum recession, tooth loss and loss of supporting bone if left untreated.
Common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Easy bleeding of the gums, especially while brushing or flossing
- Gum recession
- Loose or separating teeth
- Sores in the mouth
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus between the gums and teeth
- Changes in your bite or in the fit of removable oral appliances
The early stages of gum disease are known as gingivitis, and when diagnosed in this stage the disease is more easily treatable and in some cases can even be eliminated entirely. The more severe stage of the disease, periodontitis, can cause significant damage to your mouth and oral health and will require much more involved and invasive treatments to manage.
There are a wide range of treatments available to help fight gum disease and improve your oral health. During your initial consultation Dr. Chelsea George will evaluate your mouth to determine the severity of your disease and which type of treatment will be most beneficial for you.
To schedule your consultation at George-Brenner Family Dentistry and find out more about periodontics in Maumee, Ohio, give us a call today!