Your teeth are important but don’t overlook the importance of your gums. Your teeth and gums work together for a healthy, strong mouth. Periodontium is a dental term that refers to your gums and jawbone, the soft tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place and support your teeth through a lifetime of daily wear and tear. To ensure the optimal health of your periodontium and prevent periodontal disease, it’s important to visit a dentist that specializes in periodontology for a well-rounded check-up.
What is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the periodontium, including your gums and jawbone. A periodontist has the expertise to both prevent and treat periodontal disease. Our Shrewsbury, MA dental office has a periodontist on staff so that our patients can consult a periodontist about their gum health and treat their periodontal disease while visiting their regular dental office.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is commonly referred to as gum disease. Gum disease is one of the most prevalent diseases among adults. Gum disease is characterized by gum inflammation and sometimes, infection of the gums and bone. The most common form of gum disease is gingivitis, which is the inflammation of the gums. Patients suffering from gingivitis may have red, swollen, or tender gums that bleed during brushing. Gingivitis can progress to more serious disease, characterized by a receding gum line and bone loss.
How to Prevent & Treat Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease can be easily prevented through regular oral hygiene maintenance. You can help prevent gum disease by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing your teeth daily, and using an anti-bacterial mouthwash daily. Twice yearly visits with your dentist for a cleaning and dental check-up are also vital. If you do develop gum disease, however, a periodontist can treat your periodontal disease with ultrasonic scaling. Advance gum disease can also be treated with gum contouring, tissue grafting, and tooth extraction.
ABOUT YOUR SHREWSBURY DENTISTS:
At Modern Dentistry, Todd A. Pizzi, DDS, and Luciana Messina, DDS, are dedicated to providing high-quality cosmetic, restorative, and preventive dentistry services to patients and families in Shrewsbury, Worcester, North and South Grafton, Westborough, Southborough, Northborough, Boylston, Hopkinton, Millbury, and all surrounding communities. To schedule your next appointment, contact our office by calling (508) 842-6356 today.
