Periodontal Care in Traverse City and Petoskey, MI

What’s Gum Disease?

Are you suffering from painful, swollen gums that bleed when you brush? When bacteria infects your mouth, it can lead to not only tooth decay, but also gum disease. This can be a result of poor dental health, illness, or even genetics.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can start minor but progress into a more serious condition. The first stage, gingivitis, occurs when bacteria enters the gum tissue. If not treated, it can progress to periodontitis. This stage of gum disease can affect your jawbone and cause it to deteriorate.

A smiling middle-aged woman with large hoop earrings.

A middle aged woman with her hand to her chin and slightly smiling

Who’s at Risk for Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious condition that affects millions of Americans. You may be at risk if you don’t properly care for your teeth and gums by brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist frequently. However, people with the following are more likely to develop periodontal disease:

Smoking habits
Diabetes
Severe stress
Medications that reduce saliva production
Health conditions (i.e. AIDS and cancer)
Genetic history of the condition

Treating Gum Disease

Once you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease by Dr. Klym, it’s crucial that you receive treatment before it worsens. If not, it can lead to health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.

Deep Cleanings

If your gum disease is in an earlier stage, it can likely be treated with our deep cleaning treatment– also known as scaling and root planing. Dr. Klym will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums. He’ll do this by using special tools to make a pocket in your gums and remove all the bacteria. Then, he’ll smooth them down to prevent further infection through a method called root planing.

What causes gum disease?

What’s the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

What if I leave my gum disease untreated?

What’s the best mouthwash to prevent gum disease?

What causes gum disease?

When bacteria spreads from your teeth to your gums, gum disease can occur. It’s most frequently the result of poor oral hygiene habits.

What’s the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and only affects your gums. Periodontitis is a more severe stage of the condition that can cause damage to your jawbone.

What if I leave my gum disease untreated?

If your gum disease is left untreated, it can only worsen over time. Eventually, it can lead to tooth loss or serious health conditions.

What’s the best mouthwash to prevent gum disease?

Dr. Klym recommends a mouthwash that’s alcohol-free to prevent your mouth from drying out and allowing more bacteria to grow.

Contact Dr. Klym to Protect Your Gums

While the symptoms for gum disease can go unnoticed at first, the condition can become severe if not treated. Contact our Traverse City location at (231) 947-7202 or our Petoskey location at (231) 347-2188 to learn more about periodontal disease and how to care for your teeth and gums.