Periodontic Care in Clawson, MI

Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease is a common bacterial infection of the gums and bones supporting the teeth. Typically resulting from poor oral hygiene habits, gum disease can impact more than just oral health. Many studies have shown that it may increase your risk of heart disease, making periodontic care an important part of overall health care.

An early symptom of gum disease is red, swollen gums that tend to bleed easily. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. If you’re experiencing signs of gum disease, contact My Family Dental in Clawson, MI, to schedule an appointment. Our experienced team will screen your gums for signs of disease and perform any necessary treatment.

Treatment Options for Gum Disease

There are two main options for treating gum disease, scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, and antibiotics. The treatment used depends on the condition of your gums and your personal preferences. Below are descriptions of the most commonly used periodontal treatments at My Family Dental Clawson.

Antibiotics & Infection Control

We apply a topical antibiotic to your gums to treat minor infections. This effective method kills any bacteria in your mouth and gives your gums a fresh start after infection. While this treatment only takes a few minutes, it works long after you leave our office.

Scaling & Root Planing

We recommend scaling and root planing to target plaque and bacteria below the gum line. Using an ultrasonic cleaner, we remove plaque and tartar deposits around your gums. Then, our root planing procedure smooths the surface of your teeth’s roots.

Preventative Care

To prevent gum disease and promote overall oral hygiene, we recommend patients of all ages have an in-depth dental exam and cleaning every six months. That way, we can detect and address oral health concerns before they become more serious.

Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontic Treatment

Bleeding gums or other signs of periodontal disease can be concerning. You may have many questions about what to do next. Below are some common questions we hear from patients experiencing these symptoms. If you have any other questions regarding your oral health, please share them at your next appointment. We will do our best to answer them.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

Some common symptoms of gum disease include:

Bleeding when flossing or brushing
Bright red or red-purple gums
Swollen gums
Gums that are tender to the touch
Shiny appearing gums
Mouth sores
Loose teeth

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact My Family Dental in Clawson, MI, for an appointment. We can assess your condition, provide a diagnosis, and pursue treatment options that address your specific concerns.

How can I prevent gum disease?

Since gum disease is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, practicing proper oral health habits, like brushing and flossing, can prevent this type of infection by keeping your gums and teeth clean. Also, preventative measures like dental cleanings and exams from experienced dentists, like those at My Family Dental Clawson, can further maintain your oral health and hygiene.

What causes gum disease?

While gum disease is typically caused by bacteria, there are certain health conditions and lifestyle choices that may increase your risk, including:

Health conditions like diabetes, HIV, cancer, or pregnancy
Certain medications
Smoking
Poor oral hygiene habits, such as not brushing and flossing regularly
Family history of gum disease

Your individual risk factors may vary. However, we can discuss these with you at your next appointment, along with preventative measures you can take to reduce your risk of gum disease.

Schedule Periodontic Care

Whether you need to treat or prevent gum disease, the team at My Family Dental in Clawson, MI, can help. Our experienced dentists can handle any oral health concern you may have, including gum health concerns. To learn how our periodontic care can improve your overall health, schedule an appointment today.

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