GUM HEALTH BASICS & PERIODONTICS

Periodontitis & Gingivitis

There are two types of gum disease which are ​periodontitis and gingivitis. Both of those together make up what dentists call periodontal disease. 

Periodontics in El Paso, TX

Periodontitis
Periodontitis begins with bacteria in the mouth and if not properly treated may end in tooth loss, or worse. It causes inflammation of the gums, discomfort, bad breath, loose teeth, and bleeding around the teeth. It’s also the most common disease among adults.

Periodontitis while common, is also preventable. It is the result of poor hygiene and avoiding regular dental visits. Brushing twice daily, flossing daily and attending regular dental appointments will help reduce the chance of developing periodontal disease and also aids in the treatment of it.

​Gingivitis
Gingivitis is also a form of gum disease, but it begins with the build-up of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a soft, sticky substance that contains bacteria that will cause tooth decay and gum disease. If plaque is not regularly removed from the teeth by brushing, flossing and regular dental visits, gingivitis will result. Gingivitis can also occur from other causes such as stress, poor nutrition, hormonal changes, certain medications, and chronic disease.

​Treatment of gingivitis starts with brushing twice daily and flossing daily. Gingivitis is also known to clear up after professional teeth cleaning by our hygienists. However, the condition can be known to return if regular dental visits and good hygiene are not kept. If the disease is severe then scaling and root planing is likely to be necessary. If periodontal disease is left untreated over a period of time a crown, tooth extractiondental implant, or dentures might be needed for treatment.

Periodontics

Periodontics is the oral specialty of treating the inflammation of gums and surrounding teeth and bone structures. A periodontist is a dentist that deals in the treatment of periodontitis, gingivitis, and other diseases of the periodontium​. Periodontists are also experts in replacing teeth with dental implants.

We here at Edgemere Dental are experts in periodontal disease and even have our very own in-office periodontist, Dr. Jennifer Swedlow, DMD, MS. As a Periodontist, Dr. Swedlow is an expert in the preventiondiagnosistreatment of periodontal disease, oral inflammation, and in the placement and repair of dental implants. She has had extensive training in cosmetic periodontal procedures, soft and hard tissue grafting, and a range of surgical and non-surgical procedures for the treatment of periodontal disease and other gingival conditions.

​If you think you might have periodontal disease, periodontitis, or gingivitis, don’t hesitate to call our office to schedule a visit with Dr. Swedlow. Avoiding treatment can be detrimental to your health, and can lead to costly dental bills down the road. Call us today at 915.921.6200, or visit our Contact page to send us an email. We look forward to your call!