Gum disease threatens the oral health and systemic well-being of millions of people across the US. Loosening teeth, damaging bone and contributing to significant problems with overall health, periodontal problems cannot be ignored. Dr. Frank Gordon diagnoses and treats gum disease in his Flint, MI, dental practice. He can help you maintain your best gingival health.
What is gum disease?
It's an infection of the gums which causes inflammation and destruction of both hard and soft oral tissue. Beginning when bacteria proliferate in between teeth and below the gum line, periodontal disease may be mild, severe, or somewhere in between, exhibiting symptoms such as:
The American Academy of Periodontology says that gum disease is prevalent (about 45 million American adults have some form of it). However, many individuals are totally unaware of it and its consequent tooth loss, bone deterioration and health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, dementia, arthritis, and more. In other words, your oral health definitely impacts your entire body.
Do you have gum disease?
When you come to his office in Flint, Dr. Gordon can tell you if you have gingivitis or periodontitis. Measurement of periodontal pockets (the spaces between your teeth and gums) reliably indicates how severe the problem is (deeper than three millimeters indicates periodontitis).
Treating gum disease
While heredity and some health conditions predispose people to periodontitis (diabetes and cancer are two of them), gum disease really is preventable. Common sense strategies for keeping gums healthy include:
In-office treatments may include:
Your dentist will chart and maintain a continuing record of your periodontal health so your gums recover and stay healthy for the long-term. Dr. Gordon believes this is a true doctor-patient partnership which can help your oral health thrive.
It's important
Find out all you can about gum disease. Dr. Gordon and his team will help you. If it's time for your cleaning and check-up, please call the office today for an appointment in Flint, MI: (810) 230-0990.