By Franklin L. Gordon, Jr., D.D.S., M.S., M.S.
July 02, 2018
Category: Oral Health
Tags: Gum Disease  

Gum disease threatens the oral health and systemic well-being of millions of people across the US. Loosening teeth, damaging bone andgum disease 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:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Bleeding
  • Pain
  • Soreness
  • Pus
  • Bad breath
  • Gum recession
  • Bone deterioration
  • Exposed tooth roots
  • Mobile teeth
  • New gaps between teeth

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:

  • Twice a day brushing and daily flossing
  • A healthy diet, including fiber, low-fat proteins, dairy products, and plenty of water
  • Semi-annual cleanings and check-ups with Dr. Gordon (more frequent if necessary)
  • Smoking cessation and reducing alcohol intake

In-office treatments may include:

  • Tooth-scaling and root planing to remove bacteria-laden plaque and tartar
  • Installation of antibiotics in gum pockets
  • Laser gum surgery to remove diseased tissue and to seal gums to tooth surfaces
  • Gum grafting which places donor tissue or gum tissue from other areas of the mouth over exposed roots

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.

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