What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a serious infection of the gums amd other tissues surrounding the teeth. Millions of Americans have periodontal disease. Left untreated, it can lead to bone and tooth loss. The symptoms of periodontal disease are often subtle, but there are warning signs:

• Gums that bleed during and after brushing and flossing
• Persistently bad breath and/or bad taste
• Swollen or sore gums
• Receding gums
• Red gums
• Loose teeth or widening gaps between teeth

Gum disease occurs when the oral bacteria get below the gumline and your body reacts to this bacteria in a destructive way.

If you have gum disease brushing and flossing are not enough. Your dentist or hygieist must remove the bacteria and the hardened bacteria from below the gums and do so on a regular basis. If the spaces below the gumline that harbors this bacteria is too great surgical treatment is often needed.

Certain factors increase your risk for periodontal disease. And having periodontal disease can increase your risk for other health problems as well. If you answer yes to one or more of the questions below the more important it is for you to take care of your teeth and gums:

• Are you a current or former smoker?
• Do you have Diabetes?
• Do you have a family history of gum disease?
• Do you have osteoporosis?
• Are you under a lot of stress?
• Do you take steroids,blood pressure medications or cancer fighting medications?

The good news is that treating gum disease in the early stages can stop the progression of gum disease with minimal treatment.

What is a Periodontist?

Dr. Spektor is a dentist who is specially trained to treat gum diseases and other disorders of the tissues surrounding your teeth. In addition he can replace missing teeth w/ implants and aid the general dentist and orthodontist with esthetic gum treatment that can help improve your smile while keeping it healthy.