Keeping your gums healthy is an important part of maintaining optimal oral health. At Ralph W. Besho, DMD, PA, we offer gum disease (gingivitis) treatment to our patients in East Brunswick. We are here to help our patients reverse the symptoms of gingivitis in its early stages, and treat it if it advances to its second stage, periodontitis.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a common condition that affects nearly half of all American adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The first stage, called gingivitis, is an infection of the gums. Symptoms of gingivitis can include swollen, tender or red gums, bleeding gums, receding gums or persistent bad breath. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, be sure to schedule an appointment with our office. At this early stage, gingivitis can be easily treated and reversed.

Left untreated, gum disease can advance to the second stage, known as periodontitis. This serious gum infection attacks your gums and the tooth-supporting structures of your mouth. At this stage, periodontitis can lead to tooth and bone loss as the infection spreads to your tooth roots and jaw bone. Symptoms of periodontitis include loose teeth, pain when chewing, pus between your teeth and gums, new spaces developing between your teeth, or changes in your bite. It is critical to receive treatment as soon as possible.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease is typically caused by poor oral hygiene. Bacterial plaque forms on your teeth due to irregular brushing and flossing. Plaque can be easily removed with regular professional cleanings, but if left on the surfaces of your teeth, it can harden under your gumline and become tartar. The toxins from the built-up plaque and tartar attack your gums and surrounding tissues, leading to infections.

Certain lifestyle and health factors can also increase your risk of developing gum disease. Weight, family history, inadequate nutrition and conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease can affect your chances of gum disease. Smokers and people who drink in excess may experience increased risks. Hormonal changes such as those related to puberty, pregnancy or menopause can also increase your gum disease risk.

How is Gum Disease Treated?

If diagnosed and treated early, gum disease is easily reversed. Regular cleanings, good oral hygiene and recommended treatments such as antibacterial toothpastes or mouth rinses can restore your health. In cases of periodontitis, we can recommend treatment to combat periodontitis. At our office, we work with an in-house periodontist to give our patients effective gum disease treatment.

Our services include:

• Scaling and Root Planing: Known as a deep cleaning, this is the most conventional non-surgical treatment. First, our team will clean the plaque from the surfaces of your teeth (called a scaling). Next, we will clean under the gumline to clear the tartar from your tooth roots, smoothing the surfaces of the roots to prevent future plaque and tartar build-up.
• Periodontal Therapy: Our in-house periodontist can recommend a variety of surgical and non-surgical procedures to treat your advanced gum disease. Schedule an appointment with our team to determine the best treatment for your needs.