It is estimated that gum disease silently affects over 50 million Americans. Most people will not know that they have a problem because gum disease can creep in silently and not cause much pain. If you do develop gum disease, your dental health and beautiful smile can suffer. Fortunately, your gum treatments dentist in Annapolis has the tools and knowledge to help. At Annapolis Dental Care, Dr. Steckler and the rest of our team have spent over 20 years providing comprehensive care to patients. We provide preventative treatments that stop the development of gingivitis, as well as the necessary treatments to fix advanced gum disease. If you are concerned about the health of your gums, schedule an appointment at Annapolis Dental Care today.
THE CAUSES OF GUM DISEASE
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. It is generally painless, so many patients may not even know that they have this disease.
What causes gum disease? Bacterial plaque, the sticky and colorless film that forms on your teeth. This plaque can cause an infection in your gums that makes them swollen, red, sensitive, and tender. This swollen gum condition is gingivitis, which, when left untreated, advances to periodontitis. During advanced periodontitis, the gums separate from the teeth and form pockets. When bacterial plaque enters those pockets, the area becomes infected.
While those who suffer from this disease do not feel much pain, gum disease causes many problems, including an unsightly smile, bad breath, infected and bleeding gums, teeth that become loose and fall out, and an increased risk for a stroke or heart attack.
THE TREATMENTS FOR GUM DISEASE
Treatment for the early stages of gum disease included scaling and root planing. This is a particular type of deep cleaning performed by your gum treatments dentist in Annapolis. The procedure removes plaque and tartar from below your gum line, which controls the growth of harmful bacteria and helps gums reattach to teeth.
If your condition is left untreated, the damage can become so severe that surgery may be the only option for treating the problem.
PREVENT GUM DISEASE FROM THE START
It’s always best to do what you can to keep gingivitis and gum disease from developing at all. You can do this by scheduling regular appointments at Annapolis Dental Care every six months. These checkups will provide you with intensive teeth and gum cleanings that remove plaque and tartar from your gums.
These cleanings are not just useful for cosmetic purposes but preventative care as well. After thoroughly cleaning your teeth, your gum treatments dentist in Annapolis will inspect your teeth and gums for any signs of deterioration or gingivitis.
By keeping these regular appointments, you can be informed of any early treatments or dental care you need to reverse the development of gingivitis. This way, you can avoid more intensive procedures and discomfort later on.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR GUM TREATMENTS DENTIST AT ANNAPOLIS DENTAL CARE
Whether it’s a regular check-up you need or a tooth extracted, your dentist in Annapolis is here to serve! Annapolis Dental Care has the expertise and compassion to work with you on improving your oral health. Your comfort and health are our top priorities, and so we go above and beyond to make our patients happy and give them the highest quality care. To set up an appointment today, please give us a call at 410-571-5014 or visit us online. For more oral health tips for you and your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! We are always looking for new patients, so if you live in Arnold, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, MD, come on down!