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2417 Welsh Road Philadelphia, PA 19114

Current Patients (215) 969-8080

New Patients (215) 372-1142

Gum Disease Philadelphia PA

What is Periodontal Therapy?

Periodontal therapy is the treatment of gum disease, an infection in the gums that can affect your oral and overall health. Dr. Drew Shulman stresses the importance of keeping your gums healthy, especially as we get older. Healthy gums support strong teeth and good dental health.

Gum disease affects 3 out of 4 Americans and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. When gum health gets worse, it can lead to other problems that affect both your mouth and body. The gums protect your bloodstream from harmful bacteria that can cause internal inflammation if they get through.

Advanced gum disease, called periodontitis, can increase your chances of heart disease and other health issues. If you already have a health condition, poor gum health can make it harder to manage.

periodontal therapy in northeast Philadelphia, PA

Dr. Shulman treats different stages of gum disease, including gingivitis and bleeding gums. He works with each patient to understand their risk factors and provide personalized care. If you take daily medications for other health reasons, be sure to tell Dr. Shulman, as some medications can cause dry mouth and affect your gum health.

You can help prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing daily, along with regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and exams.

Gum Disease: Causes and Symptoms

Common causes of gum disease include smoking, poor oral hygiene, and some medications. Gum disease starts when bacteria and plaque build up, infecting the gums. If left untreated, the bacteria can damage the gums and create pockets of infection around the tooth roots.

This can lead to loose teeth and problems with your bite. Regular dental care is important to keep your gums healthy and treat gum disease early.

Signs of gum disease may include:

  • Swollen gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Toothaches
  • Receding gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Mouth sores
  • Bad breath (halitosis)

Treating Gum Disease in Northeast Philadelphia

Before starting treatment, Dr. Shulman will review your medical and dental history to create the right plan for you. He checks for gum disease during routine visits to catch any problems early.

The first step in treating periodontitis is often a deep cleaning, which removes plaque and tartar from the gums. Dr. Shulman may also prescribe antibacterial rinses to use at home. Other treatments can include laser therapy, scaling, and root planing.

If the pockets in the gums don’t heal after scaling and root planing, more treatments may be needed to strengthen and restore the gums. A gum graft may be done to replace lost gum tissue.

Gum Disease FAQs

Can gum disease go away on its own?

No, gum disease will not go away without treatment. You’ll likely need help from a dentist to fully treat the issue. However, if your symptoms are mild, you can try some home care to ease them.

How many treatments do I need to get rid of gum disease?

The number of treatments depends on how severe your gum disease is. Mild cases can often be treated in one visit, while more advanced cases may need several treatments.

Is periodontal treatment painful?

No, most gum disease treatments are not painful. Your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb your mouth so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Some people say that scaling and root planing feel like a deep gum massage.

How do at-home care practices help professional treatments?

Taking care of your teeth and gums at home is just as important as the treatments you get from your dentist. While your dentist provides deep cleanings and other treatments, what you do every day makes a big difference in keeping your mouth healthy. By brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash, you can lower the amount of plaque and prevent gum inflammation between dental visits.

At-home care also gives you control over your own treatment. By sticking to good habits, you can stop gum disease from getting worse and make the treatments you get from your dentist more effective. Working together with your dentist keeps your gums healthier and makes you feel more responsible for your own health.

Making small changes to your diet, like eating fewer sugary foods and adding more vitamins, can also help your gums. When combined with regular check-ups and cleanings from your dentist, these simple steps form a complete plan for managing gum disease. By following your dentist’s advice and taking care of your gums at home, you’re making sure you stay on the path to a healthy smile.

Request A Dental Exam Today

If you notice any signs of gum disease, schedule an appointment with our dentist in Philadelphia for a full evaluation of your teeth and gums. Dr. Shulman’s goal is to help you enjoy the benefits of a healthy smile. Call our Northeast Philadelphia office at (215) 372-1142.