Gum Disease Specialist

What is gum disease?

A serious infection of your gum tissue is called periodontal (gum) disease. Left untreated, gum disease damages the soft tissue in your mouth and the bone that supports your teeth. As it gets worse, gum disease can cause your teeth to loosen and even fall out.

Even though gum disease is a serious problem, it’s also relatively easy to treat. If you brush and floss regularly and visit the dentist once every six months, you’re significantly less likely to experience gum disease and its related problems.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

Healthy gums are pale pink, firm to the touch, and fit snugly around the edges of your teeth. Telltale signs of gum disease include:

• Swollen gums
• Puffy gums
• Receding gums
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Painful chewing

As gum disease progresses, you might also notice a change in your bite or the way your teeth fit together.

Are there different types of gum disease?

There are many types of gum disease, but three are particularly common. The team at Varinos Dental Associates of Newburyport regularly treats:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the most common and treatable type of gum disease. If your gums ever bleed when you brush or floss, gingivitis is probably to blame. Gingivitis is also the only type of gum disease that’s possible to reverse.

Chronic periodontitis

Chronic periodontitis occurs as a result of plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. Left untreated, chronic periodontitis slowly eats away at your gum tissue and bone, increasing your risk of tooth loss and other more serious complications.

Aggressive periodontitis

Aggressive periodontitis typically runs in families. It develops during childhood or early adulthood and causes rapid bone and tooth loss. Aggressive periodontitis affects just a small number of people.

How is gum disease treated?

Treating gum disease depends on the type you have and its rate of progression. Whenever possible, the team at Varinos Dental Associates of Newburyport uses conservative, noninvasive methods like scaling, root planing, and antibiotics. However, if your condition progresses, surgery could be necessary.

Common oral surgeries to address gum disease include pocket reduction surgery, soft tissue grafts, and bone grafts.

If you’re concerned about your risk of gum disease, it’s important to make an appointment with the team at Varinos Dental Associates of Newburyport. Take the first step and call your nearest office or click the online booking tool today.