According to the American Dental Association, gum disease affects nearly 50% of the adult population in the United States ages 30 and over. The CDC reports gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Although symptoms of this chronic inflammatory disease are often subtle, it is important to pay attention if you find you are experiencing the following symptoms of gum disease.
- Gum Disease Creates Bad Breath
If you skip brushing or flossing daily, food particles will get stuck in your teeth. This promotes bacterial growth in your mouth and will cause bad breath. If left untreated, the buildup of plaque on your teeth can cause toxins to form and lead to gum disease. - Gum Disease Causes Swollen Gums
One of the most common signs of gum disease is swollen gums around the tooth. Healthy gums are usually a light or coral pink. Unhealthy gums appear inflamed, feel tender and often present as a darker pink or red. In addition, they may bleed when you brush or floss. Food and bacteria lodged between teeth and gums due to lack of regular oral care often form dental plaque which causes the inflammatory response in the gums. - Gum Disease Leads to Gum Recession and Tooth Sensitivity
Healthy gums are firm and feel snug around your teeth forming a tight seal which limits the places where plaque and bacteria can grow. If your gum line looks lower around some teeth than others, you may be suffering from gum disease. Receding gums become a health concern when the roots of the teeth are exposed. Another tangible sign of tooth exposure is tooth sensitivity. If you wince in pain with each sip of a hot or cold beverage, it may be a sign of tooth root exposure caused by gum recession. Leaving teeth exposed makes them more at risk for decay, infection, and eventually tooth loss.
A Gum Disease Solution: The LANAP Protocol
Dental Solutions of Binghamton is proud to announce that Dr. Erez Cohen has joined the team to offer our patients a non-surgical, virtually painless treatment option for gum disease, the LANAP Protocol.
LANAP is the first, and only dental laser specially for use in the FDA-cleared Laser Periodontal Therapy Technique. The LANAP Protocol removes harmful bacteria and diseased tissue from the gums. This new method removes only the tissue impacted by gum disease and leaves the surrounding tissue intact. In addition, LANAP disinfects the remaining pocket by killing the bacteria forming a fibrin clot that seals the wound and allowing for the regeneration of tissue and bone.
With LANAP, gum disease is controlled. This allows for the preservation and restoration of healthy teeth that may otherwise need to be extracted. Plus, the LANAP Protocol requires no recovery time!
For more information about LANAP, visit our website.
Dental Solutions of Binghamton understands that effects of gum disease can greatly impact your ability to eat, smile and speak. For this reason, our team of prosthodontists and dental specialty providers are happy to evaluate your overall oral health—including signs of gum disease—during an initial consultation. We then can offer the solution, including the LANAP protocol with Dr. Erez Cohen, that will most efficiently and effectively deliver a confident and functional smile. Call today for your consultation with Dr. Ronald Sambursky and the Dental Solutions team, 607.798.0789.