Periodontal Gum Disease

Gingivitis is the name for the earliest stage of gum disease. If you don’t receive proper treatment for it, gingivitis turns into periodontitis and threatens the stability of your teeth and bones. Since periodontitis usually only produces bad breath and bleeding gums at first, many people don’t realize that something much more serious is taking place.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease is an infection that begins with simple plaque. Plaque is a clear film that forms when food particles stick to your teeth, can turn into tartar, and with its accumulation comes gum disease. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 47% of adults over age 30 have mild to severe gum disease. By age 65, the number increases to 70%. Even though gum disease is common, many people don’t realize they have it until it has progressed to the late stages.

By keeping regular dental appointments, gum disease is easily avoidable, but if left unchecked, it can lead to even more serious health conditions like tooth loss, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and pregnancy complications. That is because inflamed gums weaken your body’s entire immune system. As always, prevention is the best cure. Dr. John and Joseph Barnhart are here to make sure you don’t ever have to worry about your oral health reaching that point.

Our Vienna dental team will teach you how to maintain excellent oral healthcare routines at home, and help you fight plaque in hard to reach places during your regular appointments. We’re here to answer any questions you have, and look forward to helping you achieve a lifetime of great smiles.