Periodontal Care Southampton, PA
Do you have swollen, bleeding gums, or suffer from bad breath? Periodontal disease — sometimes called “gum disease” — is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. That’s why we screen for symptoms of periodontitis at every checkup.
Periodontal disease is an infection that's caused by plaque biofilm along your gum tissues. If you aren't removing all of the buildups each time you brush and floss, it settles down under your gums, leading to tissue detachment and bone loss.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
- Receding gumlines
- Halitosis
- Tooth mobility
- Tartar buildup
- Gums that bleed easily
- Swelling and redness
At your exam, we'll carefully measure multiple points around each tooth to detect gum infections as early as possible. The sooner periodontitis is treated, the healthier your smile will be in the future.
How Gum Disease Affects Your Health
Dr. Harry L. Habbel in Southampton recommends treating periodontitis as soon as it's diagnosed, because of its relationship to your overall wellness. Scientific research shows that oral biofilm can spread elsewhere into the body, making it difficult for your immune system to battle secondary infections.
Aggressive gum disease is directly linked to difficulty managing problems like diabetes, respiratory infections, cardiovascular disease, infertility, and erectile dysfunction. When periodontal infections are treated, most people experience improved health within the next 2-3 months.
Treatments for Periodontal Infections
While regular prophylactic cleanings are performed every six months for preventative purposes, they're not designed to treat active oral disease. Instead, Dr. Harry L. Habbel will prescribe a series of deep cleanings to remove the bacteria from below your gum tissues, where the disease starts.
This therapy helps prevent additional tissue destruction and bone loss, creating a clean environment where tissues can reattach to the root surfaces of your teeth. Stop tooth loss before it starts. Schedule a gum health evaluation with Dr. Habbel today.
