Dr. Firlik and her team wants you to maintain a healthy smile and will help you achieve that. We are at war with gum disease – also known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a very serious disease. Patients with this disease have deep pockets around their teeth that collect harmful bacteria.
What can you do at home to prevent gum disease?
Be consistent and brush your teeth twice daily
Floss your teeth, once daily at least
See our hygienist and dentist every six months for an oral exam and thorough teeth cleaning.
By following these simple steps, you avoid the buildup of plaque and tartar on the surface of your teeth and gums which cause irritation, swelling, and bleeding.
However, if you are concerned that you have periodontal disease, even at its beginning stage, we will want to discuss that with you.
How Dr. Firlik Diagnoses Gum Disease
Dr. Frilik and our hygienist will examine you for receding gums. They will measure the depth of gingival (gum) pockets around your teeth to determine the existence of periodontal disease. During your exam, they will look for signs of:
Bleeding
Swollen gums
Bone loss
Loose teeth
If you are found to have periodontal disease, they will discuss the stage of the disease and the recommended treatment for gum disease.
Four Stages of Periodontal Disease
There are four stages which share several common symptoms and which tend to progress from one to the next if not treated properly and quickly.
Gingivitis – The first stage is a result of plaque buildup around teeth, and it can be reversed if bone damage has not occurred. The signs are few and often painless, which is why it is common but no less concerning.
Common signs can include some or all of these:
Bad breath
Redness and swelling of the gums
Bleeding when brushing or flossing
Slight Periodontitis – The second stage is not reversible, but can be managed. Routine oral hygiene will not resolve this. In this stage infection usually has spread to the bone, and bacteria multiply and begin to cause bone loss.
Common signs can include some or all of these:
An increase in swelling or redness of the gums
Bad breath
Bleeding during brushing or flossing
Depth of gingival pockets between 4-5 millimeters
Moderate Periodontitis – Similar to stage two periodontitis, it cannot be reversed. At this stage, all the symptoms of stage two are present, but the gingival pocket depth will increase to 6-7 millimeters. This allows for more bacterial damage to the bone, but also to the bloodstream and the immune system. Without any treatment, this stage will lead to:
Bone and tooth loss
Gum sensitivity
Increased bleeding
Shifting of teeth
Advanced Periodontitis – The final stage of periodontal disease. Infection deepens and bacteria become disease-causing. Bone loss risk can now be at 50 – 90%; bone loss is imminent, along with swollen gums that ooze puss; cold sensitivity; pain when chewing; severe halitosis; and further loosening of teeth. At this stage, the only recourse is periodontal surgery or laser therapy. If left untreated, the result likely will lead to:
Gaps between teeth
Gum recession
The need for dentures
Serious health problems
Scheduling regular yearly check-ups can prevent this serious disease from progressing.
Treating Periodontal Disease at Firlik Family Dentistry
Periodontal disease is often not reversible. Our immediate goal then is to prevent or to minimize its progression. To achieve that, Dr. Firlik offers root planing and scaling treatment to remove tartar and plaque found in and around the gingival pockets of a patient’s teeth. This provides the best chance to slow or stop gum recession.
Dr. Firlik will help you conquer periodontal disease and achieve a much healthier smile.