Gum treatment in Cutler Bay, Florida

If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or during flossing, you in good company. According to the CDC, about half of all Americans over the age of 30 have periodontal disease, which is also called gum disease.

Don’t panic. If caught in the first stage of gingivitis, the condition is still reversible. Call our office in Cutler Bay at (786) 619-3434 to schedule a dental exam.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

Bacteria in plaque and tartar that build up on and around your teeth can spread below the gum line, eroding tissue and bone. Many factors lead to periodontal disease including:

• Skipping brushing or flossing
• Crowded or crooked teeth
• Not eating well
• Smoking and/or use of tobacco products
• Getting older
• Family history
• Pregnancy
• Significant stress
• Systemic ailments such as diabetes and heart disease

What Are Common Signs of Periodontal Disease?

Usually, gum disease begins as an infection and you may not initially notice symptoms. As it advances, you may find signs of periodontal disease including: red, puffy or bleeding gums, recession of gums, persistent bad breath, a lingering bad taste in your mouth and loose teeth.

If you have any of these symptoms, we urge you make an appointment with one of our skilled dentists at Towncare Dental of Cutler Bay. Call (786) 619-3434 today for a consultation.

What Are the Types of Gum Disease?

If one of our dentists at Towncare Dental of Cutler Bay determines you have gingivitis, you still have a chance to turn back time for your teeth. Preventative checkups and cleanings plus eating well and practicing good dental hygiene are key to maintaining a healthy smile.

If gingivitis goes untreated, it will more than likely lead to periodontitis, a serious infection that permanently destroys supportive tissue and bone, causing the gums to separate from the teeth. These separations are referred to as “pockets.” Food and bacteria can lodge in the pockets, ravaging your teeth, gums and bone.

Periodontitis is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults, according to many professional dental associations. It also has links to diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses.

How is Periodontal Disease Treated?

When you go to a dentist or hygienist for your regular cleanings, you may not realize that most of the attention is paid to what is above the gum line.

To reach the bacteria hidden below the gum line our periodontist or hygienist in Cutler Bay will perform scaling and root planing, an intense cleaning technique to remove plaque and tartar. If needed, an antibiotic may also be applied to treat infection.

It is likely you will require more frequent cleanings to maintain your mouth health and prevent periodontitis from advancing. Maintenance is key because gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes and more. You should be especially vigilant if gum disease runs in your family.

Without professional attention, periodontal disease can destroy the bone in your mouth causing your teeth to become loose or fall out. In these cases, our dentist or periodontist may suggest a regenerative procedure such as a bone graft, tissue graft, or tissue-stimulating proteins to regrow bone and tissue.

What Can I Do at Home to Prevent Gum Disease?

You are the first line of defense for your teeth and in the prevention of gum disease. It is recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, replace your toothbrush every four months, floss daily, eat a balanced diet and schedule regular dental checkups. We stand ready to help you maintain a healthy smile. Call us at (786) 619-3434 for a consultation.