Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)

A Strong, Beautiful Smile Needs A Healthy Gums 

Maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile involves caring for both your teeth and gums. While teeth are often the focus, your gums serve as the foundation for your smile and are equally crucial for oral health. Periodontal (gum) disease can devastate your oral health and ruin your smile if left untreated. 

At Briglia Dental Group, West Chester, PA, family dentist Dr. Briglia offers comprehensive periodontal services to prevent and treat gum disease, ensuring a strong, healthy foundation for your smile. Call our West Chester dental practice at (610) 615-0160 if you’re a new patient or (610) 692-4440 if you’re an existing patient. Learn more about protecting your gums and maintaining a radiant, healthy smile.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums. The main cause of gum disease is the buildup of plaque and tartar, substances that occur when food particles mix with the bacteria in your mouth. Plaque and tartar stick to your teeth and gums and can accumulate where it’s hard for a toothbrush and floss to reach.

While plaque can be removed with regular brushing and flossing, tartar, the hardened form of plaque, can only be removed by a dental professional like Dr. Briglia. If these substances remain, they produce more bacteria, which multiply and produce acid that attacks the gums and causes gum disease. 

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors contribute to the development and progression of periodontal diseases. Understanding these underlying causes is essential for effective gum disease prevention and treatment.

• Dental Plaque Buildup: The primary trigger for periodontal diseases is the accumulation of dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth.
• Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals are more genetically susceptible to severe forms of periodontal disease.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Irregular or inadequate brushing and flossing allows plaque to persist, leading to constant gum irritation.
• Hormonal Changes: Periods of hormonal fluctuations, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can make gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation.
• Poor Nutrition: A diet lacking essential nutrients weakens the body’s ability to fend off infections, including those in the gums.
• Systemic Conditions: Certain systemic conditions, like heart disease, have been linked to an increased risk of gum disease.

Signs of Periodontal Disease

The following symptoms are often a good indicator that you may have or are developing gum disease and require professional periodontal services:

• Loose or separating teeth
• Bite changes
• Partial dentures or bridges not fitting correctly
• Defective fillings 
• Persistent bad breath
• Metal taste in your mouth
• Pus between gums/teeth
• A sore that doesn’t improve after two weeks
• Tender or swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Gums that recede or pull away from your teeth

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, don’t hesitate to call our West Chester office and set up an appointment with Dr. Briglia. Call (610) 615 0160 if you’re a new patient or (610) 692 4440 if you’re returning so we can treat your gum disease as soon as possible. 

Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease occurs in stages that become more destructive the more they advance. The stages of gum disease are as follows:

Gingivitis: The first stage and mildest form of gum disease is gingivitis, which is usually characterized by minor tenderness and swelling in the gums. At this stage, the infection is reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional periodontal services like regularly scheduled deep cleanings from Dr. Briglia. 

Initial Periodontitis: Once gingivitis advances to initial periodontitis, the infection begins to attack the bone and the damage can’t be reversed. Fortunately, the damage can still be stopped with deep cleaning and proper oral hygiene. This stage is usually characterized by gums bleeding when you brush your teeth, although you may not notice any pain. 

Moderate Periodontitis: With many similarities to the initial stage, moderate periodontitis involves more advanced damage to the ligaments and bones that attach your teeth to your gums. Additionally, the infection can now enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of your body.

Advanced Periodontitis: The most destructive stage of gum disease, advanced periodontitis often causes noticeably loose teeth, bad breath, pain, pus-filled abscesses, and makes permanent tooth loss a much more likely occurrence. At this stage, you’ll require frequent deep cleaning sessions and will likely need surgery to save your teeth.

Call Briglia Dental Group: Healthier Gums For Healthier Smiles

The health of your gums is an essential part of your oral health and the brilliance of your smile. At Briglia Dental Group, our periodontal services can help treat gum disease, for better oral health and a smile you’ll be proud of. 

To learn more about the periodontal services available at Briglia Dental Group, contact our West Chester, PA, office at (610) 615-0160 if you’re a new patient or (610) 692-4440 if you’re already part of our family practice. You can also fill out and submit our online contact form and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly. Our practice welcomes new and returning patients from West Chester, Chester Springs, Exton, Broomall, and Chadds Ford, PA, to experience our exceptional family-oriented care.