Gum disease is an infection of the gums, the tissue that holds the teeth together. It is a result of poor oral hygiene, where plaque builds up and hardens. When left untreated in Merrimack, NH, it can damage the jaw bone and cause tooth loss in severe cases. At Something To Smile About, Dr. Kevin Boulard offers periodontal disease treatments that can treat patients with different stages of periodontal disease. After a dental exam, he can determine whether you have gingivitis or are at another stage of gum disease, and create a custom treatment plan to improve your oral health.

Gum disease symptoms

Gum disease can be silent, meaning there are no warning signs until it advances. This makes it essential to schedule regular exams and routine dental cleanings so that Dr. Boulard can diagnose gum disease before it leads to serious complications.

Some common signs of gum disease are:

• Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing

• Red, swollen, or tender gums

• Receding gums

• Persistent bad breath

• Changes in your bite

If you suspect you have gum disease in Merrimack, NH, our professional dental team offers gum disease treatment options for our patients.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease can be caused by several things, including:

• Diet: The foods you eat can affect your oral health. When you eat a high-sugar diet, you increase your risk of both tooth decay and gum disease. The disease progresses much faster with a poor diet.

• Genetics: Some people are more susceptible to develop gum disease even though they efficiently care for their teeth and gums.

• Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause make your gums more sensitive and also more likely to develop gum disease.

• Poor oral hygiene: When you don’t brush or floss properly, plaque will turn to tartar. This buildup on and between your teeth can only be adequately removed at a dental cleaning at Something To Smile About in Merrimack, NH.

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the first and only stage where periodontal disease can be reversed because the bones haven’t been attacked. Bleeding gums is usually one of the noticeable early symptoms you will experience if you have gingivitis in Merrimack, NH. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental exams and cleanings can help you treat and reverse this oral health problem. Ultimately, quickly treating periodontal disease is vital to your health.

How to determine the gum disease stage

At Something To Smile About, Dr. Boulard uses a probe to measure any infected pockets around or under your teeth. Digital x-rays help identify any deterioration that has resulted from the gum infection. This helps him determine which type of periodontal gum disease treatment will help you. The procedure chosen is determined by what stage you’re in. Treating gum disease early on helps minimize damage and decreases the need for gum surgery. It also reduces any chance of tooth loss. The goal for periodontal treatment at Something To Smile About is to restore your gum health.

Gum disease treatments

Some periodontal treatments we use at Something To Smile About include:

• Scaling and root planing: Scaling and root planing, which removes plaque and tartar near the gum line, is our least invasive treatment. It also creates a smoother root surface, which helps our periodontal team remove bacteria and create a clean surface for your gums to reattach.

• Tooth restoration: When tooth loss occurs because of gum disease, we can restore your smile with crowns or dental implants.

Learn about gum disease treatment in Merrimack, NH

When it’s left untreated, gum disease continues to deteriorate both your oral and overall health. At Something To Smile About in Merrimack, NH, Dr. Kevin Boulard helps his patients improve their gum health with different periodontal disease treatments. To learn more about periodontal disease treatments, call today to schedule an appointment.