Are you struggling with bad breath or swollen gums? You might be dealing with gum disease. At the office of Murphy Dentistry, we offer a wide range of services to help patients maintain optimal periodontal health and keep their smiles looking fantastic.
Taking care of your teeth and gums does more than just keep them in top shape; it also supports overall health. In addition to being the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, recent research has found links between periodontal disease and various medical issues like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory problems.
Just like tooth decay, gum disease is caused by harmful bacteria that live in dental plaque and tartar. If left untreated, this can lead to the formation of gingival pockets, gum recession, and diminishing alveolar bone, eventually causing teeth to loosen and fall out.
If you notice your gums bleeding while brushing or flossing, this could be a sign of early-stage gum disease, known as gingivitis. Fortunately, with professional cleanings and an improved oral hygiene routine at home, it's possible to reverse the effects of gingivitis.
If left untreated, early-stage gum disease can progress to periodontitis. In this stage, the connective tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place begin to break down, leading to increased pocketing between your teeth and bone, gum recession, and bone loss. Without proper treatment from your dentist, periodontitis will worsen, causing more severe damage to the supporting tissues around your teeth.
While it's possible to reverse the effects of gingivitis with improved oral hygiene and professional cleanings, managing more advanced stages of gum disease requires more extensive procedures. Based on a thorough assessment of your periodontal health and taking into account any potential contributing factors, our office will recommend the most effective treatment options for you. Treatment for periodontitis may include deep cleanings called root planing and scaling, surgical procedures to reduce pocket depth, bone or tissue grafts, laser procedures, or antimicrobial medications.
By regularly visiting our dentist for check-ups and doing your best to maintain a healthy diet and practice good oral hygiene, you can keep your smile in tip-top shape while also protecting your overall wellbeing.
At the office of Murphy Dentistry, we provide our patients with the support, guidance, and care necessary to maintain optimal periodontal health. For more information on our services and how we can help you achieve a healthy smile, give us a call today.