By Frank Gordon Jr DDS
December 26, 2019
Category: Oral Health
Tags: Gum Disease  

What's so concerning about gingivitis and other forms of gum disease? Among other issues, if this infection is left untreated, it can lead to tooth, gum, and bone loss as well as severe attacks on your systemic health. Fortunately, your periodontist/endodontist, Dr. Frank Gordon Jr., treats gum disease in his Flint, MI, office, helping patients have vibrant smiles and improve their overall health.

Just what is gum disease?

You may have it and not even know it. Basically, gum disease is an infection stemming from destructive bacteria that live in soft plaque and hard tartar. These biofilms accumulate on and between teeth and under the gums.

Today, gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). However, many people don't even know they have it, as they can often ignore the subtle signs of the condition.

Signs of gum disease

Here are the symptoms of this potentially difficult oral health issue:

  • Gum tenderness, puffiness, and bleeding
  • Changes in gum color (redness or duskiness)
  • Bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Changes in the fit of a denture or in overall dental bite
  • Exposed tooth roots because of receding gums
  • Teeth which appear longer than they used to
  • Pus
  • Deep pockets between tooth roots and gums (greater than three millimeters is diagnostic for gum disease)

Treatment of gum disease

Mild gingivitis usually responds to improved at-home hygiene, dietary habits, and a professional cleaning from our Flint office that removes problematic plaque and tartar. More aggressive periodontitis may require antibiotics and treatments such as gum grafting to cover exposed root or laser debridement of infected tissues.

To stabilize and strengthen mobile teeth, Dr. Gordon may recommend a periodontal splint. For the best in tooth replacement, he places dental implants that retain a single prosthetic tooth or partial/full dentures as needed.

Contact Dr. Frank Gordon

Call our office in Flint, MI, for a complete evaluation. We are open Monday through Friday. Phone (810) 230-0090 today to schedule an appointment.

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