Periodontal Maintenance in Gonzales
Preventing & Treating Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is one of the most common—and most serious—oral health concerns in adults. To help counteract the prevalence and effects of gum disease, proper oral hygiene and periodontal maintenance is recommended.
At Gonzales Dental, we want to help you and your family stay healthy. Our professional periodontal maintenance services in Gonzales are designed to address a wide variety of dental issues, from plaque and tartar buildup to early gum disease, like gingivitis. With regular periodontal maintenance, you can help prevent gum disease, as well as stop the progression of existing periodontal diseases.
Continue reading to learn more, or contact us today at (830) 971-0268 to schedule an appointment.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is the clinical term for gum disease. There are a variety of periodontal diseases, ranging in severity from relatively mild (gingivitis) to severe (periodontitis). Most of these conditions are caused by inflammation of the gums and bones surrounding the teeth, as well as infections caused by bacteria. When left untreated, periodontal disease will progress and may result in significant tooth decay, bone loss, receding gums, and tooth loss.
Periodontal disease is incredibly common in the United States, with about 47% of Americans over the age of 29 having the condition to some degree, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, periodontal disease becomes more prevalent in advanced aged groups. The CDC reports that about 70% of adults 65 and older in the U.S. have some type of periodontal disease.
While periodontal disease affects all individuals across all age ranges and from all backgrounds, certain groups may be more at risk of developing gum disease.
Some risk factors for periodontal disease include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking/vaping
- Genetics
- Excessive stress
- Diabetes
- Immuno-deficiencies
- Certain medications that cause dry mouth
- Defective dental fillings
- Crooked teeth
- Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and menopause
- Improperly fitted bridges
Note that, while periodontal diseases can be treated, they will never fully go away. Treatment of periodontal disease focuses on stopping the progression of the disease, as complete healing is not possible.
Periodontal Disease Symptoms
It’s important to know the warning signs of periodontal disease. Early detection and treatment is critical to stop the progression of gum disease and avoid serious complications, such as tooth loss.
Some of the most common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Tender, swollen, or red gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Consistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Pain when chewing
- Receding gums/gums that pull away from the teeth
- Loose adult teeth
- Visible tooth decay
- Changes in the way teeth fit together/bite
If you are experiencing any signs of periodontal disease, schedule an appointment for periodontal maintenance in Gonzales with Gonzales Dental today. During an initial exam and check-up, we can assess your current oral health and provide recommendations on periodontal disease treatment, if necessary. Our goal is always to provide you with the information you need to make empowered decisions about your health.
The Importance of Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance is very important, as it can both prevent gum disease and treat existing gum disease to stop the disease’s progression. Proper periodontal maintenance begins at home with good oral hygiene practices. This includes proper teeth brushing at least twice a day, as well as flossing at least once a day.
Regular teeth cleanings are also an important element of periodontal maintenance. During your routine teeth cleaning appointment, your oral hygienist and dentist can evaluate the health of your gums, identify any issues of concern, and recommend further treatment, as needed. In some cases, your dentist may recommend a deep teeth cleaning to address significant plaque and/or tartar buildup, as well as early stages of gum disease, like gingivitis.
Unfortunately, even with good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits, many people still develop periodontal disease. Once gum disease begins, you must see a professional for periodontal maintenance and/or treatment to stop the disease’s progression and avoid unwanted effects, such as significant tooth decay or tooth, bone, or gum loss.
What Does Periodontal Maintenance Include?
Periodontal maintenance focuses on enhancing gum health, as well as overall oral health. Additionally, periodontal maintenance can serve as a powerful tool for stopping the progression of gingivitis, periodontitis, and other oral health concerns.
A solid periodontal maintenance plan includes:
- Good at-home oral hygiene practices
- Proper teeth brushing and flossing
- Regular dental check-ups and examinations
- Routine teeth cleaning at least twice a year
- Deep teeth cleaning as needed
- Early detection and treatment of gum disease
At Gonzales Dental, we want to help you achieve your happiest, healthiest smile. To that end, we offer a full range of periodontal maintenance services in Gonzales for patients of all ages. We always prioritize your comfort and strive to provide the most effective and affordable treatments possible.
Our dental office accepts all types of PPO insurance, as well as Medicaid and CHIPS. We also offer multiple payment plans and financing options for those without traditional dental insurance.
Get in touch with us today to learn more! Call (830) 971-0268 or contact us online using our secure submission form.
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- Wassim Itani
"A great and warm dental place that feels like home. He is very experienced and welcoming and does his best to make it a pain-free experience. I would definitely do any dental work for me and the family at Gonzales Dental."
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