What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums. It typically occurs due to the buildup of plaque or tartar along the gum line, as well as other results of poor oral hygiene. Early stages of the condition (often called gingivitis) may first appear as mild bleeding during brushing or flossing. You might think this is a somewhat normal occurrence, however, no amount of bleeding is considered acceptable. Instead, you may in fact be a candidate for our periodontal maintenance program.
Other symptoms of periodontal disease include red, swollen, painful, or sensitive gums, as well as bad breath. If you have any of these warning signs, please contact us today to schedule a consultation. Call our office at (510) 233-4470.
Without treatment, periodontal disease may progress to a more serious stage of infection called periodontitis. As well the unpleasant side effects discussed above, periodontitis can lead to decreased tooth stability and (eventually) tooth loss.
What is periodontal maintenance?
When you visit us for a routine check-up, cleaning, and X-rays, we always give your mouth a full examination. Should you show signs of infection, this is the time we will provide a diagnosis. Depending on the severity of your condition, we may recommend a regimen for periodontal maintenance. Under this treatment plan, we’ll schedule you for more frequent checkups and cleanings (typically every 2-3 months).
This schedule allows us to monitor your improvement as well as prevent any additional buildup of plaque and tartar. Receiving this sort of care on an ongoing basis is the most effective way to combat periodontal disease and reverse its harmful effects. With your commitment and participation, we WILL improve the health of your smile!
