September is Self-Improvement Month, so it’s the perfect time to analyze your dental health and make improvements where needed. If you have symptoms of gum disease, it’s important to understand that it’s not just your oral health in jeopardy. Gum disease has been linked in multiple studies to other diseases of the body, including heart disease and certain types of cancers. Fortunately, gum disease treatment can improve your oral health and your overall health.
Gum Disease Stages and Symptoms
Gum disease is actually composed of three stages: gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is the only stage that’s reversible. Even though periodontitis and advanced periodontitis aren’t reversible, they are still treatable. If you have either of these stages, your periodontist will develop a regular treatment plan to reduce inflammation and minimize your symptoms as much as possible.
Common symptoms of gum disease include:
- – Chronic halitosis
- – Bright red, inflamed gums
- – Sensitive gums that bleed easily
- – Receding gum line
- – Tooth loss
When left untreated, gum disease can have a negative impact on everyday life. Embarrassment from bad breath and swollen gums can affect personal and professional relationships and lead to social anxiety. Pain from inflamed gum tissue can affect daily activities like speaking and eating. If you’re ready to take control of your oral health and self-confidence during Self-Improvement Month, gum disease treatment is an important step in the right direction.
Treatment Options
Dr. Gregory Toback offers periodontal maintenance therapy to prevent the progression of gum disease and help you avoid additional dental problems. He also offers LANAP® laser gum disease treatment, which is a more comfortable, minimally invasive alternative to standard gum surgery.
Schedule Your Appointment
To schedule your gentle and effective gum disease treatment appointment with Dr. Toback, call Shoreline Periodontics & Dental Implants. We are located in New London, CT and Westerly, RI. We look forward to helping you improve your oral and overall health in honor of Self-Improvement Month.
