Get a Healthy Mouth and Body with Periodontal Care in Villa Rica, GA
Our teeth help us bite, chew, speak, and smile. But, if our gum tissue is weak or receding due to periodontal (gum) disease, then our teeth no longer have a solid foundation keeping them in place. The result is declining oral health, tooth loss, and even life-threatening systemic health conditions. With periodontal care, however, patients can keep their teeth, gums, and bodies healthy.
Don’t let gum disease go untreated. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Stacey McDowell at Villa Rica Family Dental now. Dr. Stacey and her knowledgeable team can help you treat, manage, or even reverse the early stages of periodontal disease.
Call our dental clinic in Villa Rica, GA at (770) 459-4131 to learn more about periodontal care or to book an appointment.
What is gum disease?
Gum tissue (also called ‘gingiva’) helps keep our teeth securely in place. Our gums also protect the sensitive roots of our teeth from accidental damage or invading bacteria.
But, when food debris accumulates on our teeth between meals, harmful oral bacteria feast on the debris and multiply exponentially. This leads to bacterial overgrowth and plaque formation around the gumline.
Together, the plaque and bacteria begin to irritate the soft tissue around the gumline. Initially, the irritation creates a mild infection in the gums (known as gingivitis). Although gingivitis is reversible, the advanced stages of gum disease are not.
As a result, patients should address even the earliest signs of gum disease with our dentist in Villa Rica. Getting early periodontal care can help patients prevent advanced gum disease, limit the risk of tooth loss, and reduce systemic health issues.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost half of all adults living in the US have some form of gum disease. Many of these individuals do not even know that they have gum disease, as the initial stages are often hard to detect.
However, there are a few signs and symptoms of early periodontal disease to be aware of, including:
- Red or irritated gums
- Sore or swollen gums
- Bleeding after brushing or flossing
- Bad breath
- Difficulty biting and chewing
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Gums that pull away from the teeth
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, then contact our dentist in Villa Rica immediately. The sooner you seek help, the more likely it is for Dr. Stacey to reverse the condition and save your oral health.
What is periodontal care?
Periodontal care is an umbrella term for the general care and maintenance of gingival tissue. Typically, dentists prefer to take a preventive approach to periodontal care with routine dental cleanings and thorough examinations. However, Dr. Stacey can also treat advanced cases of gum disease with more progressive treatments, like root scaling and planing.
Root scaling and planing is a minimally-invasive procedure that removes hardened plaque from above and below the gumline. This effectively reduces the amount of harmful bacteria around the gums, which allows infected tissue to heal and regenerate. The result is healthier teeth and gums that lead to a healthier mouth and body.
Gentle Periodontal Care in Villa Rica, GA
Research indicates that gum disease is intrinsically linked to life-threatening health conditions, like diabetes and heart disease. Don’t wait for gum disease to take an irreversible toll on your health–call Villa Rica Family Dental today. We can help you get healthier teeth and gums with gentle and effective periodontal care.
New patients can learn more or schedule appointments at our dental office on South Carroll Road by calling (770) 459-4131.