Periodontal Maintenance
Windsor Family Periodontics Treat Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a manageable but chronic infection of tissues that requires a consistent, life-long treatment plan. This disease is present below the gumline and causes the attachment between the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down. In addition to gum damage, periodontal disease exacerbates heart disease, stroke, and diabetes due to the presence of inflammation. Also, It's contagious!
Our team is dedicated to providing Southcentral Wisconsin patients with kind and compassionate care. We offer effective treatments for periodontal disease. If you're in Madison, DeForest, Sun Prairie, or the surrounding areas and you need assistance in your pathway to periodontal health, contact the specialists at Windsor Family Dental. We treat all forms of gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis.
Warning signs of gum disease
Do you suspect you or a loved one has periodontal disease? Common symptoms to look out for include:
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Periodontal disease is active below the gumline, which makes it impossible to reach with a toothbrush.
- Red and inflamed gums that bleed easily.
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth (recession). It can be caused by clenching your teeth or brushing too hard.
- Permanent (adult) teeth are loose, separating or flaring. This is a sign of attachment loss.
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite or changes in the fit of a partial denture.
What causes periodontal disease?
Gum disease is typically caused by poor oral health habits such as a lack of regular brushing and flossing. Neglecting your oral health leads to a heavy build-up of bacteria in the teeth. Without preventative treatments, teeth will gradually become loose due to loss of attachment to gums and bone and can fall out. Because periodontal disease is usually painless, people often do not realize the problem until it has reached an advanced stage. It's common for gum disease to begin as irritation and inflammation of the gums (known as gingivitis) and progress into periodontal disease if further untreated.