Procedures

Periodontal Disease

The word periodontal means “around the tooth”.  Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth.  Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva.  If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar).  When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone.  Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.

Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it!  Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.

Not only is it the number one reason for tooth loss, research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy.  Researchers are determining if inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease affects these systemic diseases and conditions.  Smoking also increases the risk of periodontal disease.

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease:

  • Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
  • Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
  • New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
  • Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
  • Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
  • Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
  • Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
  • Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.

Related Procedures

What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease? Diagnosis Treatment Maintenance
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T. Robinson

In my teens and 20's I had beautiful teeth. As I grew older my teeth began to have unsightly spaces and look thin and cracked from wear. As I researched solutions, I decided veneers would be my best alternative. The veneers that Dr. Foster did restored my smile to what it had been in my 20's. They look so natural that my sisters complimented me on how well my teeth whitening worked. They didn't realize I had veneers. I get constant compliments on how beautiful my smile looks. For me the results were definitely worth the investment of time and money.
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E. Garwood
I started seeing Dr. Foster 20 years ago. Going to the dentist has never been one of my favorite things to do, yet I have spent lots of time in the dental chair! Since I live in Waverly, I drive by many dentists to get to Dr. Foster's office. I told Patty (my hygienist) I come to see her to get my teeth cleaned every 6 months just so that I can see Dr. Tim. He is always so kind, gentle, loving and caring. He has always been there when I have a problem. Thank you Dr. Foster for a clean and healthy mouth, and a belief that it does make a difference in the confidence we have in our dentist!
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