Gum disease, which is also known as periodontal disease, is an infection in the gums that is very dangerous for your smile and oral health. It tends to damage the oral tissues and destroy the jawbone throughout time. It also tends to form relationships with serious health issues, like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. This disease usually forms when you fail to practice good oral hygiene, like when you don’t floss or visit your prosthodontist, Dr. Nicholas Kondon, regularly.
There are two phases to this disease. The first phase is gingivitis. The symptoms involved are red, swollen, and bleeding gums as well as a persistent bad breath. The second phase is periodontitis. The symptoms involved are receding gums, the creation of gum pockets, changes in the way the teeth fit together, and loose teeth.
The treatment for gingivitis is a routine dental cleaning. Our dental team will use special tools and techniques to remove the plaque and tartar that are irritating your gums. If necessary, we’ll recommend attending your cleanings more often. For periodontitis, our dental team will provide a scaling and root planing treatment, which is a deeper and more invasive cleaning treatment. During this treatment, we will also medicate your gums.
Do you have any questions about periodontal disease in Concord, Massachusetts? If so, please reach out to our dental team at Nicholas P. Kondon, DMD. All you need to do is call 978.369.9090 and we will be happy to help you!