Gum treatment in Hialeah, Florida

Half of Americans over age 30 have some form periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Gum disease starts as gingivitis, a mild ailment that causes irritation and swelling. But here’s the good news – gingivitis is reversible. Our well-trained dentists in Hialeah Square can provide helpful advice on how eradicate gingivitis.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

When the bacteria in plaque and tartar spread below your gum line and compromises tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place is when gum disease becomes more serious and needs immediate attention.

Factors leading up to a more serious periodontal disease include poor dental hygiene, crowded or misaligned teeth, unhealthy eating habits, smoking and use of tobacco products, aging, heredity, pregnancy, stress and systemic diseases, such as diabetes.

What Are Common Signs of Periodontal Disease?

Frequently, periodontal disease begins as a simple infection with few symptoms. You may not even be aware you have it. As it advances, people may experience:

• Puffy, red and/or bleeding gums
• Gum recession
• Persistent bad breath
• Bad aftertaste
• Loose teeth
• Pus around a tooth or teeth

If you experience any of these symptoms, please call Towncare Dental of Hialeah Square today at (786) 838-4145 for a dental exam. The hygienist or dentist will check the gums around each tooth to see if there are signs of infection.

What Are the Types of Gum Disease?

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. If untreated, gingivitis will likely become periodontitis, a more serious gum disease that can erode the tissue and bone that support your teeth. It also could impact your overall health.

If your gums begin to separate from your teeth forming “pockets,” food and bacteria will collect in these wells causing permanent damage that will need persistent treatment and attention.

For adults, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, says the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Avoid the need for dental implants or dentures later in life by paying attention to your oral health today.

How is Periodontal Disease Treated?

The customary twice-a-year teeth cleaning, which polishes teeth above the gum line, is certainly helpful in eliminating problem-causing bacteria. However, if the bacteria has caused an infection below the gum line, you will need a different type of treatment called scaling and root planing. This non-invasive treatment is performed right in our office in Hialeah Square.

The hygienist, dentist or a gum specialist called a periodontist will remove plaque and tartar from periodontal pockets and smooth the tooth root will remove bacteria. You may also receive an antibiotic. You’ll need periodic periodontal maintenance to stop periodontitis from spreading.

Gum disease is a serious disease and should be treated as such. If you ignore you gum issues, your teeth may eventually become loose and their sockets and could fall out. To prevent this, our dentist or periodontist may suggest regenerative techniques such as a bone or tissue graft or give you tissue-simulating proteins to shore-up the tissue around your teeth.

What Can I Do at Home to Prevent Gum Disease?

For a lifetime of healthy teeth you must commit to lifelong brushing and flossing and twice-yearly dentist visits (more if you need periodontal maintenance). Our dental professionals at Towncare Dental of Hialeah Square vow to help you achieve a beautiful smile; contact us at (786) 838-4145 for a consult.