Genius Gum Disease Therapy for Allentown Residents

Gum disease is the bogeyman of dentistry. We hear a lot about it from toothpaste commercials and at dentist visits, but most people don’t actually know what it is. Many people focus on their teeth but neglect their gums; as a result, over 75% of the population over the age of 35 suffer from some form of gum disease.  Bradford Young Family & Cosmetic Dentistry provides preventative dentistry services for families in Allentown, PA, including the treatment of gingivitis and gum disease, aka periodontitis.

Gum Disease Causes & Symptoms

Symptoms of gum disease can include:

• Bad breath, even after using mouthwash.
• Swollen or irritated gum tissue.
• Blood in your saliva after brushing and flossing your teeth.
• Loose teeth.
• Increased cavities or general mouth pain.

When plaque and food debris isn’t removed from teeth and gums through regular dental hygiene and professional cleanings, the resulting bacteria can cause gingivitis, an inflammatory infection of the gum tissue. It’s also important for our patients to know that the following medical conditions can increase the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease:

• Autoimmune diseases that inhibit saliva flow, as saliva helps to wash bacteria out of the mouth. Some medications can induce xerostomia (dry mouth) or cause gum overgrowth, which makes gum tissue more vulnerable to bacteria.
• Diabetes and kidney disease, which affect blood sugar production.
• Teeth grinding (bruxism) or TMJ (lockjaw).
• Hormonal changes, such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can effect saliva and bacterial changes in the mouth

If left untreated, gingivitis often leads to periodontal disease. If periodontitis goes untreated, it can cause tooth decay and infections in the jawbone, or even spread to the bloodstream. In rare cases, this leads to hospitalization.

How Do I Treat Gum Disease?

Ever heard the phrase, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”? Just as exercise keeps your muscles and cardiovascular system healthy, a balanced diet, oral hygiene routine of brushing, flossing, and mouthwash, and regular dental check-ups will contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Often, early symptoms of gum disease can be reversed when an oral hygiene and diet program are followed.

If gingivitis has turned into periodontitis, however, some of the following steps for the beginning stages of treatment include:

• A professional deep cleaning to remove tartar buildups
• Deep scaling and root planing
• Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections in gum pockets
• Medicated mouthwashes

Advanced-stage gum disease may require surgical interventions such as tissue grafts, pocket elimination surgery, or laser therapy.

Don’t Wait - Schedule an Appointment Now!

Dr. Young is extremely experienced in the treatment of beginning and advanced-stage gum disease, and provide nonthreatening, friendly, personalized treatment to Allentown, PA residents. Whatever the reason for your gum disease, we’ll work with you to restore your smile to its natural health and brilliance.