Gum Disease Treatment

in Boulder, Colorado

Gum Disease –You may not always think of your gums when you picture yourself with a beautiful smile. Your gum tissue is just as essential a part of your smile as your teeth. In fact, without healthy gums your teeth can become damaged and decayed. Furthermore, chronic gum problems put you at a higher risk for high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and low term birth weight. Ensuring the continued health of your gums is part of the services provided by Dr. Birnbach's general dentistry office in Boulder, Colorado.

Gum, or periodontal, disease is caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar on your teeth. Over time, these bacteria infect the gum tissue that supports your teeth, causing your gums to recede and detach from the tooth.  

In addition to poor dental hygiene, other factors have been found to increase the risk and severity of gum disease.

• Smoking
• Stress
• Certain medications
• Poor nutrition
• Clenching and grinding teeth
• Genetic predisposition

There are two stages of gum disease. Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontal disease and is marked by red and swollen gums that bleed easily. If caught early through a routine exam, gingivitis can usually be reversed with proper dental hygiene.

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to the more serious form of gum disease, periodontitis. At this stage, the bone and gum tissue have become so damaged that teeth become loose and may fall out or have to be removed.