Periodontal Care

Periodontal (gum) disease is a serious medical problem that, if left untreated can cause more than just swollen, unsightly gums. It can cause loss of teeth, bone deterioration and most importantly have serious health consequences. Recent breakthroughs in medical research have discovered a strong connection between gum disease in the mouth and heart attacks, heart disease, strokes, diabetes, premature births and low birth weight. This breakthrough has vast implications for risk factors associated with these deadly diseases. It is very important that periodontal disease be detected and treated appropriately. However, since gum disease is painless, many people fail to seek treatment and their condition continues to worsen without their awareness.

Gum disease is one of the most common diseases in the United States, affecting about 80% of American adults to some degree. Thankfully, regular periodontal screenings and proper hygiene can help to control the disease without the need for more drastic treatments such as surgery. This is one of the reasons why we encourage all of our patients to schedule regular oral exams, even if they are experiencing no mouth pain at the time.

Gum disease is caused by plaque and tartar, the latter of which can only be removed through a professional cleaning by a dentist or hygienist. When left untreated, the buildup of plaque and tartar can lead to periodontitis, a disease in which the bones, gums, and other tissues that support the teeth are slowly destroyed by infection. If you consult a dentist early enough in the progression of the disease, there is an excellent chance that the infection can be controlled through deep cleaning and medication.

If you are experiencing gum pain or other signs of periodontal disease, we can help to restore health to your mouth. If your teeth and gums feel perfectly healthy, we can help to prevent the onset or the progression of gum disease through regular screenings and gentle cleanings. Please contact Family Dentistry of Novi for more information or to schedule an initial consultation.