When your smile is making you self-conscious, a smile makeover at Something To Smile About can help. During a consultation about smile rejuvenation, Dr. Kevin Boulard can evaluate his patients’ teeth and gums in Merrimack, NH. He will look for any signs of swollen gums or bleeding gums, which usually depict gum disease. From there, he can offer different gingivitis treatments before cosmetic dentistry procedures can begin.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth together. This is usually caused by poor oral hygiene when plaque builds up on the teeth and hardens. When left untreated, it results in damage to the jawbone and, in severe cases, receding gums and tooth loss. At Something To Smile About in Merrimack, NH, Dr. Kevin Boulard offers periodontal disease treatments that treat patients with different stages of gum disease, including gingivitis, the first and only reversible stage.

Gum disease symptoms

Gum disease can be silent. This means there may not be any warning signs until it advances, which is why it’s important to schedule regular exams and routine dental cleanings so Dr. Boulard can diagnose gum disease early on.

Some common signs of gum disease are:

• Bleeding gums, especially when you’re brushing or flossing

• Red, swollen, or tender gums

• Receding gums

• Persistent bad breath

• Changes with your bite

When you believe you have gum disease in Merrimack, NH, our dental team offers gum disease treatment options.

Why must gum disease be resolved before a smile makeover?

Periodontal disease can lead to devastating effects when left untreated. Gingivitis can progress to a more serious condition where pockets of pus develop between the teeth. Teeth can move, and gums recede, causing serious oral health problems. When your gums aren’t healthy, they must be addressed by Dr. Boulard before any smile makeover procedures can be performed.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease can be caused by many things, including:

• Diet: The foods you eat can directly impact your oral health. When you eat a high-sugar diet, you increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

• Genetics: Some patients may be more likely to get gum disease, even if they care for their teeth and gums.

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

• Patients with crooked teeth: When your teeth don’t come together in terms of a bite, too much force is placed directly on your gums. This can lead to gum recession and gum disease.

• Poor oral hygiene: When you don’t brush or floss properly, plaque can turn to tartar. This buildup on and between the teeth can only be removed properly during teeth cleaning at Something To Smile About.

How we determine your gum disease stage

At Something To Smile About, Dr. Boulard uses a probe to measure any infected pockets around or under the teeth. Digital X-rays can help him identify any deterioration that occurred because of your gum disease. This helps him to determine which type of periodontal gum disease treatment is right for you. The treatment chosen is determined by the severity of your gum disease. Treating gum disease helps minimize future damage and decrease any need for gum surgery. It also can reduce your chance of tooth loss. The goal of any periodontal treatment used at Something To Smile About is to improve gum health.

Gum disease treatments

Some common periodontal treatments we use include:

• Scaling and root planing: This is the least invasive treatment option, which removes plaque and tartar near the gumline. It also helps create a smoother root surface, which allows us to clear bacteria and create a clean surface for your gums to reattach to.

• Tooth restoration: When tooth loss occurs with your gum disease, we offer different restoration dentistry options, including dental crowns or dental implants, to rejuvenate your smile.

Learn more on the importance of gum disease treatment before a smile makeover

When left untreated, gum disease will continue to worsen and dramatically affect 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 gingivitis treatment and smile makeover procedures, schedule a consultation at our dental office today.