Gum Disease: Why it can be a Disaster for Your Smile

What starts out as a little blood after you brush can eventually make your teeth fall out. Waiting to get proper treatment only gives the bacteria more time to damage your gums.

Are you having a problem with your gums? Do they sometimes bleed after you brush, or are parts sore and tender? Call our Hellertown, PA dental office today at (610) 838-0131 and schedule an appointment for gum disease treatment. Those problems are signs of gum disease, a serious condition that can really hurt your teeth and more.

Thankfully, the dentists here at Hellertown Dental Group are highly trained in treating gum disease. You can get three different levels of treatment depending on your particular needs. Gum disease does not go away on its own. Call us today before things become worse.

What Is Gum Disease?

Everyone’s mouth has harmful bacteria in it. They feed off tiny bits of food and drink that get stuck in your mouth. As they eat these particles, they secrete an acid. When the bacteria are on your teeth, this acid erodes the enamel and gives you a cavity. But when they’re on your gums, the acid damaged the gum tissues and causes gum disease.

There are two stages of gum disease.

• Gingivitis is the early stage. Here, those harmful bacteria are on the surface of your gums. Although it’s still called gum disease, it’s not an infection — yet.
• Periodontitis is the later stage. At this point, the bacteria have gotten deep into your gum tissues. You have an actual bacterial infection inside your gums.

That’s why you need to call us today at (610) 838-0131 to schedule an appointment for gum disease treatment. Our dentists have the skills and technology needed to fight gum disease.

Why Gum Disease Can Be A Disaster

What’s the big deal? Why is gum disease a huge problem? Here are some of what you can expect to experience with gum disease.

– Your Teeth Can Get Loose And Come Out

Gum disease can make you lose your teeth two ways. First, your gums recede from your teeth as they are irritated and damaged. Second, your jawbone begins to deteriorate. Combined together, these loosen your teeth and can make them fall out.

– The Bacteria Can Reach Other Parts Of Your Body

Once the harmful bacteria have gotten inside your gum tissues, they can easily enter the bloodstream. This will carry bacteria all over your body. Your immune system will catch most of these, causing inflammation. But some can get past your body’s defenses and create infections in other parts of your body.

– Your Gums Can Darken And Bleed

As your gums get irritated by the acid from bacteria, they start to turn dark. That means you can smile and show everyone gums that are strangely dark or even black. Plus, your gums get so sensitive that they bleed easily. A tiny amount of blood after brushing today can get much worse.

– You Could Have Halitosis

That acid starts to damage and kill the gum tissue cells. As those cells die off, they start to give off a foul odor. That’s why people with gum disease often have trouble with chronic halitosis or bad breath. This is the kind that no amount of brushing, gum, or mint can get rid of.

– Your Gum Disease Might Be Permanent

Once the harmful bacteria get deep inside your gums, they can never be fully removed. Periodontitis, the later stage of gum disease, is permanent. Our dentists can help by treating the symptoms, but you’ll never be fully rid of the disease.

Treating Gum Disease

SCALING AND ROOT PLANING

This deep cleaning treatment gets rid of plaque, tartar, and bacteria around the gumline. Our dentists will even gently reach underneath to get rid of what’s irritating your gums.

PERIO TRAYS

These trays are worn over your teeth and gums. They’re filled with a special antibiotic medicine that attacks the bacteria on your gums that are causing all those problems.

DENTAL LASER

This high-tech gum disease treatment features a painless dental laser. Our dentists have the training needed to use this nonsurgical treatment to eliminate infected gum tissue while leaving the healthy tissue alone.

Whether you’re in Bethlehem, Quakertown or Allentown, call us today at (610) 838-0131 or contact us online to schedule your appointment for gum disease treatment. It could be the best call you make today!