Get Healthy Gum with Gentle Dental Periodontics!

What Are the Two Primary Types of Gum Disease?

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, occurring when plaque builds up on the teeth due to poor oral hygiene. This buildup can make the gums red, swollen, and they may bleed easily when you brush or floss. 

At this point, there usually isn’t any loss of bone or tissue around the teeth. If detected early, gingivitis can often be treated by maintaining proper brushing and flossing habits.

Periodontitis

If gingivitis is not taken care of, it can turn into periodontitis. In periodontitis, the inflammation goes deeper into the parts that support your teeth. This leads to pockets forming between the gums and teeth. As a result, you may lose the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place.

Common signs of periodontitis include:

• Swollen and bleeding gums.
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth.
• Pain when you chew. 

If you don’t get the right treatment, periodontitis can make you lose your teeth.

What Services Do Our Periodontists Provide?

Dr. Mark Pakan completed three additional years of training after dental school and now leads the Periodontics Department at Gentle Dental. Dr. Pakan focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease. At our clinic, he offers a range of periodontal treatments, including surgeries. Here’s what we provide:

Cleaning

This deep cleaning helps remove hidden bacteria below the gum line, often with local anesthesia to numb the area. It’s most effective in the early stages of gum disease.

Maintenance

Beyond regular cleaning, we offer scaling, polishing, and other routine treatments to maintain bone health, especially for those with deep pockets in their gums.

Surgery

Surgery is often a final step for people with advanced gum disease. At Gentle Dental, we offer several types of gum surgeries:

• Root planing and scaling
• Gum surgery
• Dental crown lengthening procedure
• Dental implants
• Sinus augmentation
• Ridge modification
• Periodontal pocket reduction procedures
• Dental crown lengthening
• Grafting
• Tooth Extraction
• Bone Grafting
• Smile Surgery

When Do You Need Periodontic Services?

It’s wise to see a general dentist before visiting a periodontist. However, you might need periodontics services if you notice any of the following:

• Gums that feel softer than usual.
• Gums that appear reddish or purplish, which could signal periodontal disease.
• Bleeding gums, which might indicate moderate to severe periodontitis.
• Gaps between your teeth and gums.
• Loose or sore teeth.

What Are the Ways to Prevent Periodontal Disease?

Dr. Mark Pakan, our talented periodontist, has shared these tips to prevent periodontal disease.

Avoid Smoking or Using Tobacco

Stay away from smoking and tobacco products. These products can harm your gums and make it harder for them to heal if injured. By avoiding these, you lower your risk of gum disease and keep your mouth healthier.

Take Care of Your Gums from a Young Age

Start good oral hygiene habits early. Brush and floss regularly to keep your gums healthy. The sooner you start, the better your chances of preventing gum problems later on.

Take a Genetic Test

You might be more likely to get gum disease because of your genetics. A genetic test can show if you are at higher risk. Knowing this helps you take extra care and work with your dentist to keep an eye on your gum health.

Don’t Take Stress

Managing stress is important to your overall health, including your gums. High stress can weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight off infections like gum disease. Find ways to relax and reduce stress to help keep your gums healthy.

Stay Away from Certain Medications

Some medications, like oral contraceptives, antidepressants, and heart medicines, can affect your gum health. If you are on these, talk to your health care provider about any side effects on your gums. They might suggest alternatives to protect your gum health.

Don’t Grind Your Teeth

Grinding your teeth puts extra pressure on your gums and can cause damage. It can also lead to misalignment and other dental problems. Dr. Mark Pakan suggests that you can use a mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth.

Maintain a Proper Diet

You need to eat a balanced diet full of vitamins and nutrients. Foods rich in vitamin C are great for keeping your gums strong. Drink plenty of water and try to avoid sugary snacks to protect your teeth and gums from cavities.