Maintaining good oral hygiene, regular professional cleanings and oral checkups are the best preventative measures against gum disease. Proper care ensures dental structures and surrounding tissue: gums and tooth-supporting bone, are healthy for many years to come. At Rothschild Dental in Leesburg, VA your dentist Dr. Ken Rothschild checks all his patients for signs of gum problems, treating them expertly for better oral health and overall well-being.

Periodontal disease is a destructive inflammation of the gum tissue and threatens the integrity of bone and soft tissue. Periodontal therapy restores diseased tissues to health. Gum (periodontal) disease spreads from the gums to the bone eventually causing tooth loss in severe cases. When you don't properly care for teeth acid-producing bacteria create a plaque that when hardened becomes tartar. It accumulates beneath the gum line and can cause inflammation in the gums.

In the earliest stages of gum disease, patients may not notice any symptoms. However, harmful plaque and tartar (and their associated bacteria) do substantial damage.

Symptoms of Gum Disease Include:

• Bleeding gums
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Receding gums
• Deep pockets between teeth and gums
• Loose or shifting teeth

Periodontal Therapy Procedures

Periodontal therapy includes surgical and non-surgical techniques such as:

• Scaling and Root Planing: A deep-cleaning that removes plaque and calculus (tartar) using hand scalers and/or ultrasonic instruments.
• Gum Grafting: This procedure replaces areas of lost gum tissue by using the patient's healthy gum tissue or by using donor tissue.
• Periodontal Laser Treatment: Removing diseased gum tissue using a laser.

Caring for your Teeth

There are several ways to prevent gum disease, including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once.

At Rothschild Dental in Leesburg, VA Dr. Ken Rothschild and his team will work with you to keep your gums healthy and your smile strong and vibrant.