Just as a strong and stable foundation is important to the integrity and look of your house, so too healthy gums and the underlying bone structure play a critical role in the appearance of your teeth. Gum disease, then, can be a threat to your smile and your oral health. But that’s not all—the bacteria that cause gum disease have also been connected to several bodily diseases and illnesses. Therefore, for the sake of your smile, your oral health and your general, taking care of your gums is critical. Dr. Gary Henkel and his team or dental hygienists and dental assistants at Horsham Dental Elements offer periodontal therapy Philadelphia, PA, and Horsham, PA, residents can rely on to help them maintain healthy and beautiful smiles.
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that gradually destroys gum tissue before moving on to weaken and damage the supporting bone tissue underneath your gums. Millions of bacteria live naturally in the human mouth. The trouble begins when these bacteria, which accumulate in plaque—that clear, sticky film that forms on our teeth all day every day—are not cleared away regularly. Daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental checkups with the Philadelphia dentist are key to combatting this buildup.
The Consequences of Periodontal Disease
In your mouth, gingivitis—the beginning stage of periodontal disease—is recognizable by red and swollen gums that may bleed when your brush. If not treated, then gingivitis goes on to become periodontitis. This advanced stage of gum disease causes enlarged gum pockets to form around your teeth. These pockets can fill with infection that eventually break down gums, connective tissue and bone. In fact, periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the United States.
Beyond your mouth, the bacteria that lead to periodontal disease have been linked to a number of systemic conditions including:
- Pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Hypertension
- Dementia
- Osteoporosis
- Pregnancy complications including pre-term delivery and low birth weight among newborns
Periodontal Therapy Philadelphia Residents Trust
Dr. Horsham and his team offer cutting-edge periodontal therapy with a soft-tissue laser. With this treatment, Dr. Horsham can remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from above and below the gum line of your teeth. Laser therapy for gum disease is more precise and allows for faster recovery.
Call Our Office Today
If you’ve noticed that your gums bleed when you brush or floss, this may be a sign of gum disease, so please don’t delay treatment. Contact the Philadelphia and Horsham dentist to schedule an appointment where Dr. Henkel will assess the health of your gums. We also serve the surrounding areas of Dresher, Springfield and Hatboro, as well as Bucks County and Montgomery County.
