Periodontal Disease Specialist
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Shorey Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentists & Family Dentists located in Morgan Hill, CA
Red, swollen gums lead to more than just discomfort. It’s a sign of periodontal disease, or gum disease, which if left untreated, leads to receding gums and even tooth loss. If you have signs of periodontal disease, Robert Shorey, DDS, at Shorey Dentistry in Morgan Hill, California, can help by reducing and even reversing signs of gum disease. To learn more, call the office or request an appointment online.
Periodontal Disease Q&A
What is periodontal disease?
About half of Americans over age 30 have periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. This oral health condition is an infection in your gums that causes the following symptoms:
- Bleeding gums
- Red, swollen, and tender gums
- Receding gums
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
- Pus within or near the gums
- Shifting of teeth
When your gums recede, your teeth can become loose or even fall out. Gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, is often reversed with proper dental treatment and good at-home oral hygiene.
The hygienists at Shorey Dentistry have a combined 45 years of experience in treating and preventing periodontal disease. They are dedicated to their patients’ oral health and have developed close relationships with their patients over the years.
What causes gum disease?
Some people are more prone to gum disease than others, but plaque is the main cause of gum disease and tooth decay. Plaque is a sticky film containing bacteria that builds up on your teeth over time.
Plaque build-up on teeth can harden and turn to tartar, which is more difficult to remove. Tartar irritates the lining of gums, causing swollen, inflamed gums, and tooth decay. When your gums recede, your teeth can shift, become loose, and even fall out.
Factors that increase your risk of developing gum disease are:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Older age
- Dry mouth
- Smoking
- Poor nutrition
- Ill-fitting dental restorations
- Genetics
- Certain medical conditions
- Some medications
- Hormonal changes in women
You can’t always avoid periodontal disease, but healthy lifestyle habits and regular dental cleanings greatly reduce your risk of developing it.
What is the treatment for periodontal disease?
The treatment you’ll receive for gum disease depends on how severe your condition is. For milder cases of gum disease, they may perform less invasive procedures, like:
- Professionally removing bacteria and tartar
- Antibiotics treatment
- Medicated mouth rinses
- Laser dentistry
- At-home oral hygiene recommendations
- Smoking cessation advice
For more severe cases of periodontal disease and gum recession, Dr. Shorey may use more thorough cleaning techniques such as scaling and root planing, or may recommend more frequent periodontal maintenance appointments to reduce your risk of tooth loss.
Should you need surgical intervention, we work closely with your periodontist to help restore and preserve your dentition.
You don’t have to live with periodontal disease. Call Shorey Dentistry today to schedule a cleaning or book an appointment online.
