Periodontal Therapy

An estimated 80% of Americans suffer from some form of periodontal or gum disease. Luckily, if the condition is caught early, it is extremely treatable and even reversible. The team at Smile Dental of Lakewood can diagnose and treat gum disease very easily through routine visits. Dr. Yang looks for the early warning signs of developing gum disease during all routine visits.

What are the signs of gum disease?

Some patients do not have obvious symptoms of gum disease and may not realize they have it until the later stages, when damage to the gums affects the teeth or gums become significantly irritated. A tell-tale sign of gum disease is sore or bleeding gums. Even with aggressive brushing, your teeth or gums should not bleed. If you have any of these common signs of gum disease, please contact Dr. Yang for an appointment:

• Bleeding, red, swollen, or sore gums
• Receding gums (teeth look longer)
• Shifting of teeth or tooth loss
• Mouth sores
• Constant bad breath

What causes gum disease?
Although there is no single factor contributing to gum disease, common causes include:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Genetic predisposition
• Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menopause
• Stress
• Certain medications
• Teeth grinding
• Poor nutrition