Periodontitis Q & A

What is periodontics?

Periodontics is a dental specialty area focused on protecting and preserving gum health and fighting gum disease, an inflammatory condition that can ruin your gums and other support structures for your teeth, leading to tooth loss. The dentists who follow this specialty track are known as periodontists. They become experts in preventing and treating gum disease and often train in the placement of dental implants.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a condition where the bacteria in your mouth get beneath your gumline and cause inflammation and swelling. Gum disease is typically painless and you may not even be aware you have it. Warning signs of gum disease include:

• Your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth
• Your gums appear red and swollen
• Receding gums
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
• Loose or separating permanent teeth

What causes gum disease?

Poor dental hygiene is the main contributing factor to gum disease. When you don’t clean your teeth properly, the bacteria in your mouth develop a sticky film called plaque on your tooth enamel. The longer plaque stays on your teeth, the higher the chance that it will cause your gums to pull away from your teeth and allow the bacteria to get beneath your gums.

How is gum disease treated?

If you have signs of gum disease, Dr. Sweeny begins with a deep cleaning treatment, sometimes called root planing or scaling. During this treatment, Dr. Sweeny thoroughly cleans your teeth, removing plaque and tartar from below your gumline. She typically numbs your mouth to ensure your comfort during the cleaning, and then uses special tools to clean your teeth.

If your gum disease has caused gum recession, Dr. Sweeny can recommend treatments to reduce the pockets between your gums and your teeth, or gum grafting procedures to cover your exposed teeth. Your treatment entirely depends on the severity of your gum disease and the damage to your teeth and gums.

If you’re concerned about gum disease, or if you have red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth, call or schedule an appointment online today.