Periodontal Care in Traverse City and Petoskey, MI

Protect the Health of Your Gums

Are you suffering from painful, swollen gums that bleed when you brush or floss? When bacteria infect your mouth, it may lead to periodontal (gum) disease. This condition can be a result of poor dental health, illness, or even genetics. When left untreated, gum disease can lead to severe complications, such as jawbone deterioration.

At Northwood Dental, we’re dedicated to preserving the health of your teeth and gums. Dr. Brian Klym and our experienced dental team are here to help stop this disease in its tracks by giving you the care you need.

A smiling middle-aged woman with large hoop earrings.

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

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the gums that damages the soft tissue and puts your overall oral health at risk. This disease can start minor and progress into a more serious condition without proper care.

The first stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis, which occurs when bacteria enter the gum tissue. If left untreated, it can progress to a more serious condition called periodontitis. This stage of gum disease can impact your jawbone and cause it to deteriorate. In some cases, it may also result in tooth loss.

Fortunately, gum disease is easily preventable and treatable. If you suspect you have gum disease, the best thing to do is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Klym as soon as possible. Treating early signs and symptoms of gum disease before it develops into a bigger problem can help protect your overall oral health.

Who Is at Risk for Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a serious condition that affects millions of Americans each year. That’s why it’s crucial to properly care for your teeth and gums by brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist frequently.

However, patients are more likely to develop gum disease if they have:

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

Signs of Gum Disease

Diagnosing your condition early on can save you from a host of painful symptoms. At Northwood Dental, Dr. Klym is fully prepared to catch this disease before it fully develops.

Patients who suffer from gum disease may experience the following symptoms:

Persistent bad breath
Bleeding gums
Loose or shifting teeth
Swollen or puffy gums
Pus between your teeth and gums
Spitting out blood when brushing or flossing

Our experienced dental team can detect gum disease before you experience any symptoms. At your biannual exam, we’ll check for the signs of this disease and discuss effective treatment plans if necessary.

If you suspect you have gum disease, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment. You can reach our Traverse City office at (231) 947-7202 or our Petoskey location by calling (231) 347-2188.

Treating Gum Disease

If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, it’s crucial to receive proper treatment from Dr. Klym before it worsens. Putting off treatment can lead to health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.

Deep Cleanings

In its earlier stages, gum disease can oftentimes be treated with deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. Dr. Klym will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums using special tools. He’ll make a pocket in your gums to remove all the harmful bacteria. Then, he’ll smooth them down to prevent further infection through a method called root planing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

Gum disease can occur for a variety of different factors from diabetes to genetics. However, the most common cause of this condition is poor oral health habits.

It’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent this disease from developing. The best way to keep your oral health in good shape is to brush twice a day and floss regularly. Scheduling biannual visits and regular cleanings at our offices in Petoskey and Traverse City is just as crucial as maintaining good oral habits at home.

What’s the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis and periodontitis are both stages of periodontal disease. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and only affects your gums, while periodontitis is more severe and can cause damage to your jawbone. Gingivitis is easily preventable and reversible, but because periodontitis deteriorates bone structure, it can’t be reversed.

What if I leave my gum disease untreated?

If your gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss or other serious health conditions such as heart disease.

It’s essential to visit our Traverse City or Petoskey dental office at the first sign of gum disease. Our dentists can prevent it from progressing and preserve your oral health.

What’s the best mouthwash to prevent gum disease?

While mouthwash can help prevent gum disease, it’s only effective when combined with regular brushing and flossing. Dr. Klym recommends using an alcohol-free mouthwash to prevent bacteria from growing and your mouth from drying out. Incorporating mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine can give your oral health an added boost.

Contact Dr. Klym to Protect Your Gums

While symptoms of gum disease can go unnoticed at first, this condition can become severe if left untreated. Contact our Traverse City office at (231) 947-7202 or our Petoskey location at (231) 347-2188 to learn more about periodontal disease. You can also fill out an online contact form and a team member will get back to you shortly.