Gum treatment in Miami, Florida

When you look in the mirror, the smile you see should be healthy and bright. To ensure that it is, taking care of your teeth and gums needs to be a priority.

You may not know it, but bacteria in your mouth is working against you, attacking your teeth enamel, gum tissue and the bone keeping your teeth in place.

Our dentist at Towncare Dental of Pinecrest can help by examining your gums and providing advice and treatment to ensure they are healthy enough to support your teeth for years.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

Bacteria in plaque and tartar built up around your teeth can move below the gum line, damaging tissue and bone. Many factors contribute to periodontal disease including: lackluster dental hygiene, bad tooth alignment, poor nutrition, smoking and use of tobacco products, aging, heredity, stress, age, pregnancy, and disease, such as diabetes.

What Are Common Signs of Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease usually begins as a painless infection with few symptoms. As it progresses, symptoms that may present themselves include: receding gums, very bad breath, puff or bleeding gums, lingering bad taste or pus in your mouth and loose teeth. If you have concerns about your oral health please call Towncare Dental of Pinecrest at (305) 403-9711.

What Are the Types of Gum Disease?

Aggressively treating and reversing gingivitis can help you avoid the serious consequences of gum disease. That can be accomplished with professional dental cleanings and improved brushing and flossing at home.

Gingivitis that is untreated can develop into periodontitis, a gum disease that permanently damages the tissues and bone that support your teeth. The gums also can begin to separate from the teeth, creating “pockets.” Food and bacteria gather in these wells, causing the disease to progress quickly.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss. It is also is linked to diabetes and heart disease, providing more incentive to take good care of your mouth.

How is Periodontal Disease Treated?

Your twice-a-year teeth cleaning by a dentist or hygienist polishes teeth above the gum line. To eradicate bacteria below the gum line, our periodontist at Towncare Dental of Pinecrest will use techniques called scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from periodontal pockets and smooth the tooth root to remove bacteria, respectively.

An antibiotic also may be surprised to fight the infection. If you are diagnosed as having periodontal disease, you may require more frequent teeth cleanings and periodontal maintenance to treat the infected areas and keep the disease in check.

In the final stage of gum disease, the bone and tissue supporting your teeth are destroyed and your teeth may loosen, shift, or fall out.

Our dentist may recommend a constructive approach including a bone or tissue graft, or tissue-stimulating proteins to regenerate tissue and bone.

What Can I Do at Home to Prevent Gum Disease?

You have the power to control your dental health with an improved daily at-home oral hygiene routine, including brushing your teeth after meals and flossing once a day. You also should see a dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings.

Our dentists at Towncare Dental of Pinecrest are committed to you seeing healthy smile reflecting back at you from a mirror. Contact us at (305) 403-9711 for an appointment.