Gum disease can develop without obvious symptoms, putting your oral health at risk. At Garr Dental Center, we stay one step ahead of the problem with OralDNA saliva testing and innovative treatments like Guided Biofilm Therapy. As the only doctor in North Dakota certified in Guided Biofilm Therapy, Dr. Ben Garr provides top-tier care to protect your smile.
Contact us today to learn more about our gum disease treatment options or schedule an appointment.
Gum Disease and Your Oral Health
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a common but serious dental health problem. If left untreated, gum disease can worsen from the beginning stage of gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. At this stage, you can lose teeth and jawbone density as infection in your gums goes deeper.
Gum disease is also connected to your overall health. As the problem worsens, there’s an increased risk of the infections spreading and impacting your heart. So, preventing and treating gum disease as early as possible is crucial.
Factors That Can Increase the Risk of Developing Gum Disease
The best way to deter gum disease is by keeping up with good dental health habits. You should brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once per day. You should also visit our office at least twice a year for dental cleanings—although some people need more frequent visits.
Remember that even if you practice great dental health habits, you can still develop periodontal disease. Some patients are more likely to develop plaque in their teeth through no fault of their own. For these people, it’s vital to understand the risk factors and take steps to prevent gum diseases.
The primary risk factors for gum disease include:
- Smoking
- Getting older
- Poor dental health habits
- Genetics
Dr. Garr will work with you to treat the problem and protect your teeth.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease worsens with time, so knowing the symptoms is key to early diagnosis and prevention. Keep in mind that once gum disease advances to later stages that the impacts can’t be reversed. So, addressing gum disease early on prevents long-term damage.
The most common symptoms of periodontal disease:
- Red, swollen, and bleeding gums: This is an early warning sign of gingivitis, so you shouldn’t ignore issues with your gums.
- Bad breath: The bacteria that builds up in your mouth and causes gum disease can also cause bad breath.
- Teeth sensitivity: You may notice your teeth are more sensitive to pressure or temperature.
- Receding gum line: As the disease worsens, your gums will pull away from your teeth.
- Tooth loss: When gum disease reaches the periodontitis stage, you’re at risk of losing your teeth. You may notice your teeth get looser.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, contact Garr Dental Center right away for gum disease treatment. This is the best way to protect your mouth, teeth, and your overall health from the impacts of periodontal disease.
Periodontal Treatment at Garr Dental Center
OralDNA Saliva Testing | At Garr Dental Center, we offer OralDNA saliva testing. This is an advanced biological test that allows us to identify the specific types of bacteria causing your periodontal disease and other problems you may be at risk for. With this information, we can develop an effective plan for your gum disease treatment.
Guided Biofilm Therapy | Dr. Garr is also the only doctor in the state who provides Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), another state-of-the-art gum disease treatment option. This dental cleaning method uses airflow technology to remove the biofilm and plaque from your teeth. It’s a comfortable, minimally invasive treatment that removes bacteria from your teeth and gums.
Take Control of Your Gum Health Today!
If you notice signs of periodontal disease, don’t wait. Thanks to Guided Biofilm Therapy, we can give you a natural treatment to improve your oral health quickly. We want you to have a healthy mouth and smile with confidence. Contact Garr Dental Center today to schedule an appointment.