Periodontal Care in Allen Park, MI
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly referred to as gum disease, is an infection of your gums by harmful bacteria. Infections of the teeth result in cavities, but infections of the gums lead them to pull away from your teeth. Eventually, pockets form in the gums that attract bacteria and may lead your teeth to loosen.
The Symptoms of Gum Disease
If you notice any of the following signs, you may be experiencing gum disease:
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Red, swollen gums
- Gums bleeding when you brush your teeth
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums
Contact our office at (313) 928-8848 if you notice these symptoms. We can provide periodontal treatment and it may be possible to reverse your gum disease.
Are You at Risk?
While anyone can develop gum disease, there are certain factors that put you at a higher risk. If you smoke or chew tobacco, are older, take certain medications, or grind your teeth, you may be more likely to develop gum disease.
It’s important to remember that the most common cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. Even the early stages of gum disease, such as gingivitis, can often be reversed through simple at-home oral care changes.
Gum Disease Treatment
If you’re facing gum disease, Dr. Cannon can help you. He can perform a procedure called scaling and root planing. This treatment consists of two parts. During scaling, he’ll remove any hardened plaque and other debris from your teeth and below the gum line.
Then, he’ll plane your roots, or make them smoother. A smooth texture helps to keep bacteria away by making it more difficult for them to attach to your tooth’s roots.
The Arestin Difference
In addition to scaling and root planing, Dr. Cannon uses Arestin to help your smile recover from gum disease. Arestin is an antibiotic treatment that helps to ward bacteria off so your gums can heal. Arestin can continue keeping your gums free of bacteria after your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gum disease can often be reversed if it’s treated before it’s too severe. In the earliest stage, gingivitis, you may even be able to reverse it by improving your at-home oral hygiene. If you notice the signs of gum disease, we recommend scheduling an appointment to learn how severe it is.
Periodontal disease can often be reversed with professional treatment from Dr. Cannon. He’ll remove the bacteria from your mouth and try to prevent the infection from coming back.
The most common cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. That’s why developing better oral health habits can often reverse the spread of infection and save your smile.
Some other risk factors include smoking or chewing tobacco, vaping, teeth grinding, and the effects of certain medications. The risk of gum disease also increases as you grow older.
Some of the symptoms of periodontal disease include gums that are sensitive, bleed when you brush your teeth, or are pulling away from your teeth. You may also have bad breath that doesn’t go away.
It’s important to seek treatment if you notice these symptoms. If you let your disease progress, you may develop more serious issues such as loose teeth that can eventually fall out.
Don’t Let Gum Disease Take Your Smile Away
If you’ve been affected by gum disease, you’re not alone — periodontitis is quite common and easily treated if you don’t let it progress too far. Dr. Cannon can help rid your gums of bacteria and put you on track to recovering your beautiful smile.
To learn more, contact Allen Park Dentistry by calling (313) 928-8848 or by filling out our online contact form.