Periodontal disease is a very common oral health condition, and its presence can result in bone deterioration and tooth loss if it’s left untreated for too long. That’s why Dr. Gary Nawrocki and the rest of our Cocoa Beach team work hard to treat this infection as soon as possible with scaling and root planing. This in-depth, non-surgical cleaning helps to cleanse the gum tissue and remove dangerous bacteria, creating dramatic benefits for patients with mild, moderate, or severe periodontal disease. Contact Nawrocki Dental today if you have any questions, or if you’re ready to schedule your first appointment for periodontal disease treatment in Cocoa Beach, FL! We welcome new patients from Cape Canaveral, FL and other nearby areas.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection and inflammation of the gum tissue. This problem is usually caused by poor dental hygiene. Without routine brushing and flossing, plaque and bacteria will build up on your gumline, inflaming and infecting it. Its first stage is called gingivitis, which typically shows up as sensitive and bleeding gums. While the initial symptoms are incredibly mild and reversible, untreated gum disease can eventually lead to serious issues like permanent tissue damage, jawbone deterioration, and even tooth loss.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Because gum disease in Cocoa Beach is reversible if caught early on, it’s important to be able to recognize its most common warning signs:
-
Bleeding gums
-
Tender or sensitive gums
-
Red or puffy gums
-
Persistent bad breath
-
Teeth that appear longer
-
Discomfort when chewing
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our dental office to get treatment as soon as you can! We also provide gum recontouring if you’ve noticed a change in your smile’s appearance.
Gum Disease Treatment
Unlike other medical conditions that can get better with time, dental problems will only grow worse if left untreated. The longer you wait to address the health of your gums, the more extensive and expensive your treatment will be. Thankfully, we provide scaling & root planing to help our patients get back to their full health and avoid damage to their smiles. First, we will scale your smile, removing tartar and plaque buildup from under and on your gumline. Then, we will reach under your gums to smooth out your tooth roots, making it more difficult for plaque to inflame them in the future.
One of the reasons why your routine visits to our dental office every 6 months are so important is that we periodically check the health of your gums. Once we notice any signs of gum disease, we can provide treatment right away. These quick and easy visits prevent you from some of the dangers that come with untreated gum disease. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our dental office to speak with one of our friendly team members!
Scaling & Root Planing
A traditional dental cleaning won’t get rid of all of the plaque and tartar that is contributing to gum disease. With scaling and root planing, we can perform a more thorough cleaning procedure that will give the mouth a chance to recover. After bacteria is removed from along and beneath the gum line, the roots of the teeth are gently smoothed, creating a surface that can reattach to the gums more easily and resist future buildups of plaque.
Learn More About Scaling and Root Planing
Periodontal Disease Frequently Asked Questions
Periodontal disease is a broad topic, so it is only natural that you may have some questions about it and how to protect your smile from its consequences. That is why we have compiled the following brief list of FAQs. If you would like personalized answers to any of your questions about periodontal disease or periodontal therapy, please contact us directly.
What Overall Health Problems Can Gum Disease Cause?
Research has linked gum disease to several systemic health problems. For example, it may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke. It is also associated with dementia, pre-term birth, diabetes, and more. Such issues may occur because the bacteria that causes periodontal disease can sneak into the bloodstream and wreak havoc on other bodily systems.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
Oral hygiene is the key to minimizing your risk of developing periodontal disease. You should brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and visit a dentist for regular exams. It will also be immensely helpful if you do not smoke and limit your consumption of sugary foods and beverages. Additionally, if your teeth are severely misaligned, orthodontic treatment may help prevent gum disease because straightening your teeth will facilitate easier oral hygiene.
Is Gum Disease Contagious?
Periodontal disease is the result of bacteria causing an inflammatory reaction in the gums. Hence, it is not technically contagious. However, keep in mind that bacteria love to spread, and they can be transmitted to other people via saliva. Hence, if someone in your family has periodontal disease, it would be best to avoid sharing eating utensils or toothbrushes.
Can Children Get Gum Disease?
Gum disease in children and teenagers is relatively rare — but it does occur. That is why it is so important for parents to educate their young ones on the importance of proper gum care. If you notice any early signs of gum disease in your child, such as bad breath or red gums, schedule a dental checkup for them as soon as possible.
How Can I Recover from Severe Gum Disease?
If you are suffering from severe gum disease in Cocoa Beach, which is otherwise known as periodontitis, seek a professional evaluation as soon as possible. Dr. Nawrocki may refer you to a specialist who can help you get the infection under control. Later, after you are free of gum disease, you may need some restorative procedures to help renew your smile’s function. For example, many patients who lose teeth due to gum disease opt to get dental implants.
