Periodontal Care inTempe

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is a common condition that affects more than 64 million Americans every year and is often referred to as the leading cause of tooth loss in adults over the age of 35. Although symptoms of gum disease begin painlessly and can go unnoticed for many months, this form of tooth decay can become chronic and worsen over time. For patients of all ages, this condition may result in cavities, root canals or the eventual loss of one or more teeth. To keep your teeth feeling healthy and strong our team supports your dental health with deep cleanings every six months and comprehensive dental exams. Call our office at 602 832 7670 to schedule your appointment!

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease can’t always be detected simply by taking a look at your smile in the bathroom mirror. But at your next dental cleaning or exam, Dr. Salem can spot and treat the early signs of dental issues before they develop. When left untreated these symptoms may develop into more noticeable signs of infection:

gingivitis, or red or swollen gums or gums that bleed after brushing
periodontitis, or the painful condition where gums pull away from the teeth
teeth that feel loose or become dislodged over time
painful or irritated gums

What Causes Gum Disease?

In its milder form periodontal disease begins as gingivitis and is caused by the release of toxins from plaque that travels into the gums and spreads around the teeth. For many patients the causes result from maintaining a poor dental hygiene routine or for patients who find it difficult to keep teeth clean after one or more teeth have been lost. Women who are pregnant or taking birth control pills, or patients taking certain medications may be at an increased risks for developing gum disease. Those who are predisposed from genetic history or who have certain illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes may also be at an increased risk.

Treating Gum Disease with Periodontal Care

At your next appointment Dr. Salem is able to perform a deep cleaning or comprehensive dental exam to effectively locate and treat areas of gum disease. In more advanced stages of gum disease such as periodontitis (where the gums pull back from the teeth or the teeth have the appearance of becoming longer) a method known as scaling and root planing is used to reach just below the gum line to remove sources of harmful bacteria that has become trapped below the surface of the gums.

Six Month Appointments ARE Important!

By coming in every six months for a dental cleaning and exam, Dr. Salem and her team are able to carefully examine and evaluate your dental health and form a personalized treatment plan. Some signs of gum disease or a cavity may be hard to detect on your own, but with regular visits for professional care our team is able to properly protect your dental health for a stronger mouth and smile over time. But we can’t do it alone! With proper dental hygiene at home, including brushing and flossing twice daily, possible risks of periodontal disease are reduced and your smile experiences better quality health. Give us a call at 602 832 7670 to schedule your cleaning and meet our team!