Gum Disease Treatments | Grand Rapids, MI
The early warning signs for gum disease are subtle—bleeding gums and bad breath. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can quickly develop into the more serious periodontitis. The best way to protect your smile is to ask our dentist in Grand Rapids, Michigan, if you would benefit from gum disease treatments.
Here’s what you need to know.
Causes of Gum Disease
Gum disease is caused by plaque that has been allowed to sit on the surface of your teeth and harden into tartar. Once tartar has formed, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria to deteriorate the gums around your teeth. Often, people are unaware that they have gum disease until they experience tooth loss.
Stages of Gum Disease
The early stages of gum disease are called gingivitis. Gingivitis left untreated develops into periodontitis, which attacks the gums surrounding your teeth and the bones that hold your teeth in place.
Once gum disease sets in, scientific research has shown that it can compromise your immune system and put you at higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, and even strokes. It’s important to remember that oral health affects your overall health.
How to Treat Gum Disease
During , we gently remove plaque and tartar. To treat gum disease, it is necessary to go deep below the gumline to remove buildup from the root surfaces. You may be numbed during gum disease treatment to make it more comfortable.
While brushing and flossing at home does a lot to , you’ll need to schedule professional teeth cleanings to get rid of plaque buildup between teeth and along the gum line. If you have periodontitis, Dr. Dodds may recommend more frequent teeth cleaning visits to monitor your condition and mitigate your symptoms.
Request an Appointment with Dr. Dodds
Dr. Alexandra Dodds is an experienced dentist in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She’s also accepting new patients and would be more than happy to welcome you to our dental practice. To schedule an appointment or learn more about gum disease treatments, please call Renew Family Dental at (616) 245-3205. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.