Periodontics refers to the the supporting tissues of the teeth, which includes the gums (gingiva), the supporting bone, and the ligaments that actually attach your teeth to the bone.  Periodontal breakdown is unfortunately a very common cause of tooth loss.

The periodontal health of our patients is carefully monitored by our team of dental hygienists, who will check and record the support of your teeth at each of your cleaning visits.  Periodontal disease is a bacterial and inflammatory problem that is usually treated by removal of the bacteria, their toxic products, and any affected tissue.  Recent evidence is pointing to increased links between periodontal disease and overall health, and periodontal disease is being examined as a possible risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Unfortunately, periodontal problems are typically not painful or otherwise obvious until they are at an extreme stage.  This is why we continue to stress the importance of prevention of disease through careful and complete oral hygiene at home.

Common problems associated with gum disease:

• “Long” teeth (receding gum lines expose the root portions of your teeth)
• Discolored or deteriorating tooth structure
• Gum depressions (holes in between the teeth in the gum tissue)
• Infected gum line (discoloration or inflammation of the gum tissue)
• Tooth loss or tooth movement

Note regarding use of dental floss:  The careful use of dental floss to clean the teeth and stimulate the gums is required for healthy periodontal tissues.  If you are not flossing your teeth daily, you are leaving bacteria on your teeth and gums and are on a path that inevitably leads to tooth loss.  Does this sound like something that you would like to prevent?

All of our patients that attend our office for regular care will be examined for the signs of periodontal disease.