Periodontal disease or gum disease is an inflammatory process of the mouth that destroys the supporting structures around your teeth. Our Apple Valley dentists are committed to the management of periodontal disease. Our team will work with you to have healthy gums and avoid gum disease. Up to half of American adults over age 30 have periodontal disease. They might have:

• Swollen or tender gums
• Red or Bleeding gums
• Chronic bad breath
• Sores in their mouth

This disease often begins and progresses without any pain or discomfort.

Scientific research has indicated that there is a link between gum disease and cardiovascular or heart disease. You can avoid gum disease by brushing and flossing daily and seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings and a periodontal exam.

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease. You may notice that your gums have become irritated and red. You might have some bleeding when brushing your teeth. Gingivitis is reversible as long as you carefully follow your dental hygienist’s instructions for your home care and see her at the recommended time for cleanings. If you notice bleeding when brushing bring this to her attention.

Periodontitis and advanced periodontitis are the stages where the symptoms of gum disease become more pronounced. You may see more bleeding and swollen tissues around the teeth. Your dentist will measure the depth of the space between your teeth and gums. This is the time that you will work with the dental team to treat the progression of this disease.

Some patients find that no matter how carefully they clean their teeth the disease continues to progress. Sometimes periodontal disease can become a health issue that deals with the overall inflammation of the body. The link between cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease should be monitored with your dental specialist and your physician to determine what overall health issues may be involved.

Brite Smiles Dental Care “Preventive Care Program” is designed to comprehensively assist their patients in a prevention-based dental hygiene protocol to obtain optimal oral health. The team is trained and experienced in all treatments for periodontal disease such as root planing and scaling, soft tissue grafts, and surgical procedures. We use oral DNA testing, a specialized test to determine what bacteria specific to you are impacting your oral disease.

To diagnose periodontal disease, Dr. Simmons or Dr. Zuidema check your gums for bleeding and swelling. Additionally, the space between your tooth and gum is a great indicator. The larger and deeper the space, the more severe your gum disease.

At Brite Smiles Dental Care, the dentists do everything they can to prevent gum disease from occurring. When you visit your dentist we carefully recommend the number of cleanings needed to maintain good dental health. Our hygienists can professionally clean your teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup.

If it turns out your gum disease is more advanced, your dentist can perform scaling and root planing. This is a deep-cleaning treatment where the dental staff cleans the roots of your teeth below the level of your gum line to get rid of the bacteria. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleaning.

It’s important to keep your gums healthy and prevent gum disease. To improve your oral health, contact Brite Smiles Dental Care for the best family dental services in Apple Valley, or book your appointment online today.

Scaling and root planing

If your periodontal disease is more advanced, your dentist uses special tools to scrape away built-up plaque and tartar from above and below your gum line. This helps get rid of bacteria which is underneath your gum line.

Soft tissue graft surgical treatment

If your periodontal disease significantly advances, you may need a soft tissue graft. Your dentist replaces areas of lost gum tissue with healthy soft tissue from other places in your mouth.

Brite Smiles Dental Care has experienced licensed dental hygienists who work carefully with the doctors.

Preventive program

The good news about periodontal disease is that it’s preventable. If you have it, it’s also reversible by keeping your gums healthy. You should:

• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Floss and use mouthwash once a day
• Visit the dentist twice a year for checkups
• Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria

Periodontal disease can occur at any age. Because of this, it’s important for you to call the dental staff at Brite Smiles Dental Care if you’re experiencing any potential symptoms. You can also book your appointment with our Apple Valley dental clinic online!