Gums set the foundation for your teeth, and when these tissues become infected or eroded, they don’t have the strength to preserve your oral health. Eric Klein, DDS, and the expert dental team at Eric Klein D.D.S. & Associates in Norwalk, Connecticut, deliver exceptional care for gum disease to protect and improve your periodontal health. Call the dental office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.
Gum disease is an infection of the pink tissues that support your teeth. Your gums give your teeth stability, allowing them to function without shifting out of place. Damaged gums can’t effectively support your teeth. Also called periodontal disease, this gum infection can lead to serious oral health concerns, including tooth loss.
Early intervention is the best method to preserve your oral health. Dr. Klein uses the OraVitalⓇ System to safeguard your oral health. The earlier you seek periodontal treatment, the more likely you are to reverse the effects of gum disease.
The two main types of gum disease are:
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. While you may experience redness, swelling, and bleeding gums, your teeth are still firmly in place. With early treatment, the effects of gingivitis are reversible.
Once gingivitis advances to periodontitis, the effects are no longer reversible, though they are treatable. Periodontitis means plaque has traveled beneath the gum line, forming small pockets. As the pockets grow, your gums no longer have a firm grip on your teeth.
The team at Eric Klein D.D.S. & Associates performs comprehensive periodontal exams to stage your gum disease.
Early signs of gum disease may not be noticeable at first. As the infection progresses and spreads, you may experience:
As gum disease progresses, you may experience shifting teeth that eventually lead to permanent tooth loss.
Many factors can increase your risk of gum disease, including:
When left untreated, gum disease can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and other potentially serious chronic conditions.
There are two main treatments for gum disease:
Scaling and root planing is a minimally invasive treatment to clean out pockets of plaque beneath the gum line. The procedure involves inserting a scaling tool through the gum line to clear the pockets before smoothing the roots and attaching the gums to the teeth.
If you have gum recession, the team may remove tissue from one area of your mouth (usually the roof) and place it over exposed areas.
Call Eric Klein D.D.S. & Associates today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about gum disease.