Why Your Gums Matter So Much: The Importance of Gum Health and Periodontal Care

As lifelong dental care partners, we accompany you and your family at every step of this oral health journey. Led by Dr. Evan Silsby, our team in Albion is dedicated to protecting the health of the teeth and the tissues that connect and support them. When individuals experience problems with their gums, we accurately pinpoint and resolve inflammation and disease early and proactively — before it causes damage. And should more severe damage be present, we provide a range of modern options for periodontal therapy. Silsby Family Dental keeps our corner of western New York smiling effortlessly and proudly!

Why would I need “periodontal therapy”?

Gum disease or periodontal disease can get worse without treatment. A positive way of looking at this is that we have many opportunities to stop the disease from progressing. The build-up of bacterial plaque irritates the gums. Mild gum disease, known as “gingivitis,” is characterized by inflammation of the gums or gingiva. Without proper and prompt treatment, gingivitis progresses to become its advanced form, a condition known as “periodontitis.” This severe form of gum disease threatens the attachment between the soft and hard tissues, the gums, and the teeth. As these periodontal pockets or spaces grow, the teeth loosen in their sockets and shift out of alignment. Gum disease and dental decay are leading causes of tooth loss.

Is there anything I should watch for as trouble signs?

Yes, but you shouldn’t rely solely on how your gums look and feel. Now, it is possible for the tissue to feel tender when you touch it or when your brush or floss makes contact. You may notice the “red stuff” on your toothbrush or floss thread. Your gums may also have a duskier or redder hue than usual. These are all potential signs of gingivitis; however, gum disease is known to be asymptomatic in its earliest phases. Many patients do not experience any changes until the disease has progressed and caused damage. This fact underscores the need to maintain regular exams at our office. Dr. Silsby has the expertise and advanced diagnostic technologies to identify issues before they develop into subtle, easy-to-ignore symptoms.

How can you help my gums?

Treatment options for earlier-stage disease are all about managing plaque build-up. They include techniques or products to clean the teeth better and other areas of the mouth that harbor bacteria, such as the tongue. Professional cleanings at our office further remove stubborn plaque or tartar that cannot be eliminated with standard brushing and flossing. A deep cleaning method, known as scaling and root planing, may be appropriate for some forms of active disease. Here, we gently clean underneath the gumline. We also minimize the risk of bacteria and plaque building up on the root surfaces by smoothing them.

If we intervene early enough in the disease process, we can reverse the effects of gingivitis! It's important to prioritize professional care for your gums. Call (585) 589-4325 to schedule your appointment today at Silsby Family Dental in Albion, NY.