Your Golden & Denver, CO Family Dentist
At Gentle Smiles of Colorado, we believe that the process of achieving a beautiful, healthy smile should be just what our name implies - a gentle one. That's why we take a personalized, compassionate approach to providing high quality dental care, and why we strive to maintain a friendly and easygoing office environment. Our doctors and highly trained team of dental specialists have years of experience treating patients in the Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Denver, CO areas, and we pride ourselves on creating specialized dental solutions to fit our patients' unique needs.
Gum Disease
Periodontal, or gum disease, is a progressive condition affecting the soft tissues of the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. Gum disease can cause painful inflammation, and if left untreated it can lead to tooth decay and bone damage. The infection is cause by bacteria in plaque - a sticky, colorless film that forms over teeth. While the key to fighting periodontal disease is a strong oral hygiene regimen, there are a number of risk factors that can increase your susceptibility to gum disease. These include:
- Tobacco (both smoking and chewing tobacco, also called dip)
- Chronic stress
- Genetic factors
- Pregnancy
- Certain medications
- Diabetes
- Unhealthy diet
Types of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a progressive condition with three stages. The first is called gingivitis, and it's relatively easy to reverse. Gingivitis is marked by inflamed, swollen gums that are red in color and quick to bleed. Few patients report discomfort with gingivitis, and a strong oral hygiene regimen is usually enough to fight off the disease and reverse the process.
Chronic periodontitis, the next stage, is very common amongst adults. This condition is characterized by gum recession and pocket formation, and will progress in severity if left untreated.
Finally, aggressive periodontitis is a very serious condition and requires immediate attention. Left on its own, patients may face rapid bone destruction, tooth decay, and attachment loss, resulting in critical, long lasting damage to the teeth, mouth, and smile.
Preventing Gum Disease
Thankfully, preventing periodontal disease is relatively easy. For the vast majority of patients, all that's needed is a strong, consistent oral hygiene regimen. Brush and floss daily, being sure to cover every part of the tooth surface. Consider using a fluoride mouthwash to enhance protection. Additionally, regular dental visits are critical - be sure to come in for a professional cleaning every six months, and always call us if you see or feel something that you think might be a problem.
Treating Periodontal Disease
If serious enough, periodontal disease may require surgery. This may encompass procedures like pocket reduction, soft tissue grafts, or even bone regeneration to treat advanced stages of gum disease. If a tooth is lost to gum disease, dental implants or other prosthetics may be needed to restore the functional and aesthetic properties of the smile.
Contact Your Denver & Wheat Ridge, CO Dental Specialists
Have more questions about gum disease or dental treatment in general? We're here to help. Feel free to reach out to us at our contact page with any questions or to schedule an appointment at one of our Denver, Golden, or Wheat Ridge, CO office. We can't wait to hear from you, and we look forward to helping you achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve!