Treating Periodontal Disease

treating periodontal disease - Easton PA

Treating Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as disease, is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. It can range from minor gum inflammation to a more serious disease that causes extensive damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In this article, Dr. Moghadam, a dentist in Easton, PA, discusses how to go about treating periodontal disease. 

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontitis means “inflammation around the tooth.” It is the most advanced stage of periodontal disease. This disease affects millions of Americans, so you’re not alone. Periodontitis causes your gums to pull away from the teeth, forming infected pockets. As a result, patients will experience bone loss, tooth loss, or dead teeth. While bacterial infection is at the root of all forms of periodontal disease, there are a number of other factors that can lead to periodontal disease. To name a few, risk factors include smoking, diabetes, certain medications, and genetic susceptibility.

Signs of Periodontal Disease

There are several signs of periodontal disease. You’ll be able to tell if you are developing this dental problem in the earlier stages of gum disease. However, you’ll know that you’re in the last stage if you have the following signs: 

  • Swollen gums, bright red or purplish gums
  • Gums that bleed easily
  • Pain while chewing
  • New spaces developing between your teeth
  • Bad breath and bad taste in your mouth
  • Loose teeth 

Consult your emergency dentist if you suspect you have periodontitis. It is important that you seek treatment immediately. 

Dental Implants

If you have periodontal disease, your dentist will likely recommend dental implants to restore your smile. Dental implants may help restore your smile and oral health if you have missing or extremely loose teeth as a result of periodontal disease.

According to the American Dental Association, the development and use of dental implants are some of the most significant advances in dentistry. They not only are customized in size, color, and fit to best replicate your natural teeth, but they also work wonders beneath the gum line.

Our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, who offers dental implants in Georgetown, KY, says that dental implants do not increase the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, or root canal problems. Furthermore, because implants are made of titanium and other biocompatible materials, they have a high success rate. Those interested in dental implants should see Dr. Moghadam for a consultation. Good candidates must have a good jaw bone foundation. Another option would be dentures. Book an appointment to see which option is best for your smile. 

Contact Dentist in Easton, PA

When it comes to your smile, our team wants only the best for you. If you’re facing periodontal disease, it’s important to start periodontal therapy right away. At College Hill Dental Group, we are a judgment-free office. So, give us a call today to schedule your appointment with our dentists!

How to Treat Swollen Gums

how to treat swollen gums - College Hill Dental Group

How to Treat Swollen Gums

There can be any number of reasons for experiencing swelling in your gums. There may be other accompanying symptoms, including bleeding from the gums. You may not feel pain from the swelling in your gums, but it might lead you to feel enough discomfort that you reach out to your emergency dentist in Easton, PA.

At our Easton, PA dental practice, we offer treatments to help address your swollen gums. It is important, however, to first identify the cause of your swollen gums.

Calcified Plaque and Tartar

The majority of swelling in the gums can be attributed to plaque on the teeth and gums. This white filmy material that accumulates on the surface of teeth and along the gum lines is responsible for the formation of cavities. It is also responsible for infections in the gums. The plaque that accumulates along the gum lines begins to form in pockets along the gums. Once the plaque is in these pockets, it cannot be effectively removed with brushing and flossing alone. This can result in an immune response by the body, which can result in inflammation in the gums.

The plaque will calcify into tartar, which can be removed only during the professional cleaning offered by your dental hygienist at College Hill Dental Group.

Allergic Irritation

It is possible to experience an allergic reaction to some of the ingredients that can be found in the foods you enjoy. Toothpaste and medications you take may also contain ingredients that result in swelling in your gums. Another concern is that those allergic to certain metals may struggle with dental restorations made from metals. 

If you do not have a sensitivity to metals or have not had recent restoration work done, a simple elimination diet can help to identify the cause of the inflammation.

Trapped Food Debris

Even with good oral hygiene habits that include brushing and flossing after every meal, it is possible for certain types of foods to get stuck between teeth or under the gums. Popcorn is one of the foods responsible for causing concerns with the gum line, even in situations where the gums are otherwise completely healthy. In just a day or two, you’ll experience discomfort and swelling in the gums. This will often continue until the popcorn piece is removed by your family dentist in Easton, PA. It is also possible that the kernel can be pushed out by the swelling naturally.

Younger patients may struggle to effectively brush and floss, which can lead to food debris being trapped between their teeth and gums. Visit with your kids’ dentist in Easton, PA, to get a professional cleaning and a brushing and flossing demonstration.

Burning your mouth on foods like pizza, nachos, or coffee can create a temporary area of trauma in the mouth. These usually only last 10-14 days and are directly related to the heat of the food on your gum tissue.

Periodontal Disease

Gum disease is very common. Whether you have the earliest stages known as gingivitis or a more advanced stage, treating your gum disease as soon as is possible is important. Gum disease can quickly advance and lead to inflammation and widespread infection. This could lead you to need extensive dental care, says Dr. Moghadam.

Treatments for Swollen Gums

Other concerns that could be responsible for your swollen gums could include concerns with dentures or other dental restorations. Misaligned teeth can also lead to discomfort and swelling, as can an abscess. Knowing the reason for the swelling is imperative if the right treatment plan is to be offered.

The good news is that swollen gums can be treated quite effectively. A visit with our 18042 dentists is the best first step. At home, treatments should include brushing and flossing, along with the use of a good alcohol-free mouthwash.

Our friend Dr. Hoang, a Bethlehem, GA dentist, says changes to your diet can also prove beneficial. Avoid popcorn and other foods that can potentially irritate your gums.

So, if you’re in need of an emergency dentist in Easton, PA, you can count on Dr. Dave Moghadam to get you out of pain. Contact College Hill Dental Group to schedule an appointment.