Periodontics Florham Park, NJ
At A Healthy Smile Dentistry in the Florham Park area, we recognize the importance of gum health which is why we offer periodontics to our patients. Periodontics is the field of dentistry that is concerned with the structures that surround and support the teeth. Periodontal disease is a serious dental condition that can affect your overall dental health. If you’re concerned about the health of your gums, you might have signs of gum disease. See how our Florham Park dentist can treat your gums for good.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
If you have any of these symptoms, please visit our dental office for an examination so we can treat you before more problems persist.
- Red, tender or swollen gums
- Bleeding when flossing, brushing, or eating hard foods
- Separating or loose teeth
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Sores in mouth
- Persisting bad breath (halitosis)
- A change in your bite, or the way your teeth fit together
- Your partial dentures no longer fit
- Loose teeth
- Pain when chewing
- Teeth that appear longer
- Sensitive teeth
Causes of Gum Disease
Gum disease can be caused by a number of factors, some out of your control.
- Illnesses – Some conditions like HIV or cancer interfere with your immune system which can affect your gums. Those with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cavities and gum diseases.
- Certain Medications – Some medications can cause you to produce less saliva while others can cause abnormal gum tissue growth.
- Bad Habits – Smoking is among one of the top leading causes of gum disease.
- Poor Oral Hygiene – Not brushing or flossing daily can make it easier for gum disease to develop.
- Family History of Dental Problems – If your family has a history of gum disease or other dental problems, it can be hereditary.
- Hormonal Changes – Hormone changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy, monthly menstruation as well as menopause make gums extra sensitive, making gum disease more likely.
How is Gum Disease Diagnosed?
During your routine dental exams with our dentist in Florham Park, Dr. Gohard will check you for signs of gum disease. If she suspects you have gum disease, she will check if your gums bleed, and look for swelling, firmness and the pocket depth. In addition, she will examine your tooth sensitivity and for signs of movement. Lastly, she will examine your jawbone to detect any loss of bone mass surrounding your teeth. If you’re showing symptoms of gum disease and it’s not the time for your routine dental exam, feel free to schedule an appointment with us so we can check your gum health. Periodontics should be taken seriously by patients who want to maintain their dental health.
What are the Consequences of Gum Disease?
When gum disease goes untreated, each stage gives you a bigger consequence.
- Stage 1: Gingivitis – During stage 1, your gums will bleed, be swollen and feel a bit uncomfortable.
- Stage 2: Early Periodontitis – When stage 1 goes untreated, your gums will develop into stage 2 where the inflammation begins to affect the supporting structures of your teeth. You experience bones loss and as a result, develop a pocket between the gums and teeth. Your gums will continue to bleed.
- Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis – If you still have not treated your gum disease, you will continue losing bone mass. Your tooth roots will begin to show and there will likely be noticeable tooth movement.
- Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis – This is the final stage and most severe form of gum disease. At this point, bone loss continues and will result in more tooth movement as well as tooth loss.
How is Gum Disease Treated in Florham Park?
At A Healthy Smile Dentistry, Dr. Gohard recommends treating gum disease at its earliest signs to prevent bone loss and even tooth loss. One of the first steps in treating gum disease is giving the patient a deep cleaning, also known as root planing and scaling. This is where Dr. Gohard removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and under the gum line. Following this procedure, your gums will heal and go back to health.
At more severe stages of periodontal disease, Dr. Gohard will be required to perform surgery to treat your gums. If your pockets are large enough, a gum graft may be necessary to regenerate your gum tissue. If bone loss is extensive, a bone graft may also be necessary. Depending on the severity of your gum disease, Dr. Gohard will recommend the right treatment for you.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
There are several ways you can protect yourself from the dangers of gum disease. First, make sure that you practice plaque control by brushing and flossing regularly. You should also be visiting us every 6 months for your regular dental exam and cleaning so we can remove any excess plaque and tartar from your teeth. In addition to brushing, flossing and visiting us regularly, you can use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth that causes plaque and gum disease.
Other ways to prevent gum disease are by not smoking or using any tobacco products. In addition, it’s important to reduce the amount of stress in your life so that your immune system stays strong. To boost your immune system, it’s also important to maintain a healthy diet. Eating foods with antioxidants and vitamin C can fight off infections. Lastly, avoid grinding or clenching your teeth. This can put force on the supporting tissue in your mouth, increasing the rate that tissue is destroyed. Talk to us about a night guard if you’re prone to bruxism while you sleep. Although some factors are out of a patient’s control, these tips might help you fight off gum disease.
Visit A Healthy Smile Dentistry for Periodontics in Florham Park Area Today
If you suspect you have gum disease or you are looking for gum disease treatment in Florham Park, you should visit A Healthy Smile Dentistry for treatment today. Dr. Gohard is happy to help you get your gums and teeth back to health and help you keep them that way. Give us a call at 973-377-2222 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment today.
