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Do You Think You May Have Gum Disease? We Can Help!

Periodontal Health in Middletown, NJ

periodontal dentistry | woman brushing teeth

In the same manner the concrete foundation supports your house, your gums are the foundation for your teeth. So, if your house is at risk when its foundation is in disrepair, so also are your teeth endangered by unhealthy gums. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. According to the American Dental Association, nearly half of adults over 30 in Middletown, NJ have gum disease in some form. Additionally, it has been linked with other health concerns such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and high blood pressure.

Avoiding periodontal disease is among the major reasons to take care of your oral health. For this reason, Dr. Pradeep Sukumar has partnered with Dr. Robert Conti, who is a periodontal specialist. This allows us to give our patients in the Middletown area, including Holmdel, New Monmouth, Belford, Leonardo, Keyport, and Union Beach, the highest quality periodontal care possible.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Gum disease is defined as an infection of your teeth’ surrounding and supporting tissues. The major cause is excess plaque, which is a constantly forming film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth and may extend below the gum line.

Several factors contribute to gum disease, among them, being:

Poor brushing and flossing habits
Smoking or chewing tobacco
Diabetes
Medications like steroids, cancer treatment drugs, and other medications that block the absorption of calcium

Periodontal disease is tricky to detect on your own because it typically progresses slowly, causing very little pain in its early stages. However, if left untreated, gum disease will destroy your soft tissue and bone, impacting or even eliminating the support for your teeth.

Gingivitis: Early-Stage Gum Disease

The first phase of periodontal disease is called Gingivitis. Some signs of gingivitis include:

Gums that appear irritated, red, and swollen
Bleeding gums when you brush and floss
Chronic bad breath that you can’t get rid of
Looseness or separation in permanent teeth

If you notice these symptoms, the sooner you give Middletown Dental a call, the better. Gingivitis can be reversed by regular checkups and cleanings. After your dentist gives you a thorough cleaning, improvements in your home care routine will help keep it at bay. But continuing regular visits to your dentist are the best way to maintain your first line of defense against gingivitis.

Advanced Gum Disease Is Called Periodontitis

Periodontitis is the progressive stage of gum disease. If you suffer from periodontitis, you may notice that your gums are starting to recede, and your teeth may begin to feel mobile. Dr. Conti can help our patients suffering from periodontitis with:

Scaling and root planing – a deep cleaning that reaches below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar buildup
Antibiotic therapy – to help fight the infection
Surgery – for severe cases of periodontitis

Treating Your Gums Saves Your Teeth

Our goal is to help you avoid issues like Gingivitis and Periodontitis through six-month dental checkups. However, if you should find yourself dealing with issues that indicate gum disease, no matter how minor, our team at Middletown Dental is well equipped to help you.

Your periodontal health is too important to ignore! Give us a call today to schedule your next appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a deep cleaning and a routine cleaning?

Routine Cleanings

At Middletown Dental, routine cleanings are recommended for our patients every six months. This is also the time when Dr. Sukumar screens you for issues such as oral cancer, periodontal (gum) disease, and tooth decay. Our hygienist will also clean your teeth and remove the plaque that contributes to many of these conditions. Keeping up with your routine visits every six months helps to prevent many of the issues from happening in the first place.

Deep Cleanings

A deep cleaning is recommended for someone who is suffering from gum disease. In the advanced stage of gum disease, known as periodontitis, patients will require a deep cleaning. This extensive cleaning, called scaling and root planing, reaches below the gum line to remove the plaque and tartar buildup that is causing an infection in your mouth.

During a deep cleaning, you will be numb to ensure that you don’t experience any discomfort. Dr. Conti, who is our periodontal specialist at Middletown Dental, will oversee this process and monitor your healing to ensure that your condition is being successfully managed.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for gum disease; however, with the help of your dental team and some additional cleanings throughout the year, you can successfully manage your condition and keep gum disease under control.

What is gum disease?

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is mostly caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. Other causes of periodontal disease include tobacco use, teeth grinding, some medications, and genetics. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease, and, if detected, is treatable. Gingivitis left untreated may turn into gum disease. Advanced gum disease will lead to tooth and bone loss, and is a permanent condition. Brushing your teeth regularly and visiting the dentist every six months will help prevent gingivitis and more severe cases of periodontal disease.

Common signs of gum disease:

Red, irritated, bleeding, or swollen gums
Chronic bad breath
Loose teeth, or loss of teeth
Extreme tooth sensitivity
Receding gum line
Abscessed teeth

What is bleeding gums a symptom of?

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do gums bleed?” while brushing or flossing, it’s usually a sign of inflammation due to plaque buildup and bacterial irritation. A buildup of these harmful substances often leads to consistently bleeding gums, a common symptom of early gum disease, specifically gingivitis.

What Bleeding Gums Could Mean for Your Oral Health

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease and typically results from poor oral hygiene that allows for plaque and tartar buildup. When plaque and tartar accumulate along the gumline, they cause inflammation, leading to red, swollen gums that chronically bleed. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress into more severe periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss.

Other early signs of periodontal disease include persistent bad breath, gum recession, and sensitivity. If you notice your gums pulling away from your teeth or a change in how your teeth fit together, contact your dentist as soon as possible for corrective care.

Are Bleeding Gums Serious?

The short answer is yes. While not always painful at first, untreated gum disease can have long-term effects on your dental and overall health. The long-term consequences of neglecting gum disease can include severe pain, infections that can spread to other parts of the body, and tooth loss.

Effective, Pain-Free Periodontal Treatment in Middletown, NJ?

If you’re in Middletown and need immediate periodontal care or simply want to learn how to prevent gum disease through diligent at-home care, contact Dr. Pradeep Sukumar and the excellent Middletown Dental team to schedule a consultation.

Meet Our Doctor:

cosmetic dentist middletown | Dr. Sukumar, DMD, MPH

Dr. Pradeep Sukumar DMD, MPH

Dr. Pradeep Sukumar, DMD, MPH completed his dental education at Boston University Goldman School of Dentistry. He also holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Dr. Sukumar has been practicing dentistry since 1997, and he joined Middletown Dental in 2016.

Dr. Sukumar invests time on every patient, to understand his or her needs and goals to provide individualized treatment and care. His practice is rooted in his strong values of honesty, compassion, and trust. His empathetic care and clinical excellence have earned the trust and loyalty ...

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