Periodontal Health (Gum Health) in Wilmington MA
If your gums feel sensitive or bleed when you brush and floss your teeth, you may have periodontal (gum) disease. While some people think it’s normal that their gums bleed, it is actually an indication that something is wrong.
Tooth loss is one of the risks that you take when you allow gum disease to go untreated, but scientists are finding links that may be even more concerning to your health. Current research strongly suggests that there is a link between poor oral health and the development of cardiovascular disease. Gum disease has also been associated with a number of serious health concerns, including diabetes, stroke, and low birth weight babies.
Maintaining good oral health through regular dental check-ups, proper home care, and a balanced diet can keep your teeth and gums healthy and looking their best.
Services we offer to fight gum disease:
- Diagnosis of gum disease
- Surgical & non-surgical treatment of gum disease
- Appropriate oral health maintenance
- Oral hygiene instruction
- Periodontal evaluation
We use a periodontal exam to help us determine the health of your gums. You may hear our hygienists taking measurements and recording any areas of periodontal pocketing they find. Your gums should fit snugly around your teeth. When pockets occur, food and bacteria can collect and cause irritation, an infection, and tooth loss.
Specialized Dental Cleanings
If you do have an infection, one of our gentle and skilled hygienists can help by cleaning out all of the plaque and bacteria above and below your gumline. They can also use a laser for bacterial reduction, which kills bacteria to assist in healing your gums. Until you fully recover, we may recommend more frequent hygiene appointments to keep your gums infection-free.
Your specific recommendations will depend upon the severity of your condition. No matter where you are with your treatment, we provide outstanding and supportive care. Our hygienists will make sure you are comfortable for your appointment so that you have nothing to worry about except your dental health.
Surgical Periodontal Treatments
In some cases, surgery is the only way to eliminate your infection and restore the health of your gums. It’s no reason to worry, though, because you are in good hands at Smile Life Dental. We utilize the latest technology including the Waterless iPlus Laser, which can help with specific periodontal surgeries to eliminate infection and promote healing.
Call Us for Your Next Dental Appointment
Whether you go to the dentist regularly, or it’s been awhile since you've had your teeth cleaned, we can help. We will provide you with the type of dental cleaning that supports your specific condition without guilt or judgment.
Call our Wilmington dental office to set up your next appointment. We look forward to seeing your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Periodontal (gum) disease puts your oral health at risk and can cause tooth loss. Additionally, it can create social problems due to bad breath. Perhaps the most frightening of all is the effect that periodontal disease can have on your systemic health.
Periodontal disease is a chronic infection. As with any infection, it causes inflammation. It is easy for the bacteria from gum disease to travel freely through your bloodstream and can affect the health of your other systems such as circulatory, nervous, and respiratory systems. Researchers have discovered a link between gum disease and low birth-weight babies.
Heart disease – When periodontal disease is present, your chances of having a heart attack increase.
Stroke – Strokes are more common in people who also suffer from chronic gum disease.
Complications with respiratory illnesses – Both chronic bronchitis and COPD are more common in people who have untreated gum disease.
Pregnancy complications – Periodontal disease is more common during pregnancy because of hormonal changes. It is especially important to seek treatment because periodontal disease has been linked to low birth-weight.
Many researchers believe that the inflammatory nature of any infection is the cause of health complications linked to periodontal disease. The connection requires more research, but dentists and doctors know that gum disease puts your overall health at risk and that effective treatment supports good overall health and wellness. For a healthy smile and healthy gums, your Wilmington dentist, Dr. Caselle, will be happy to discuss your options.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Jaeseop Lee DMD
My passion to utilize my skills to help people and give back to the community was what led me into dentistry. It is my goal to better people’s oral health and ultimately to improve their overall health through great care we give at Smile Life Dental. I like to create a friendly environment for my patients and build good relationships with them by being attentive to their concerns and needs, being honest, and answering any questions they may have. I ...
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