Healthy gums are essential for a strong, beautiful smile. Our gums hold our teeth in place, allowing us to chew, bite, speak, and laugh easily. Our gum tissue provides structure and support for our teeth and links to other bones and tissues in the body. We can usually tell a lot about a person’s oral health based on the health of their gums.
Did you know that about 80 percent of people have gum disease? Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, can affect a person’s oral and general health. People often don’t even know they have gum disease until it’s already affected their oral health in some way. Gum disease is caused by a persistent bacterial infection around the teeth. Often, gum disease materializes as red, puffy, or swollen gums, bad breath, and bleeding. Irritated gums can recede from the teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can accumulate and flourish.
Other times, gum disease can lead to tooth mobility and tooth loss. If gum disease isn’t controlled and the infection spreads, it can compromise gum tissue, teeth, and bones. Also, it can cause serious conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, and complications with pregnancy. 
There are many risk factors associated with gum disease, such as:
Even those who practice good oral hygiene can still have gum disease. So, it’s highly recommended to have regular exams and cleanings to ensure your smile stays healthy and disease-free.
Healthy gums are firm and pink, and they will not bleed when you brush or floss. If your gums are sensitive or swollen, you may need periodontal care to ensure your health. Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine is essential for keeping your gums in excellent condition.
Dr. Robert Monteagudo and our team help patients offer periodontal care so patients can have healthy smiles for life. Our periodontal care includes performing gum health evaluations and regular cleanings. We also screen for oral cancer and take any necessary digital x-rays.
In the early stages of gum disease, we can treat the condition with non-invasive periodontal therapy. Regular dental check-ups drastically increase your chance of early detection and conservative, non-invasive treatment.
Typically, periodontal treatment includes:
Many patients experience immediate relief and improvement. However, if symptoms don’t improve, our team can develop a more effective treatment plan.
Some extreme cases may require surgical treatment to control the disease and restore one’s oral health. Four common surgical treatments include:
Procedures such as these can improve a person’s likelihood of keeping their natural teeth for life.
At Wisconsin Smiles, we provide comprehensive periodontal therapy so that you can enjoy a functional, attractive, and disease-free grin. Whether you have swollen, red gums or deep gum pockets, we have an effective treatment for you.
If you have any questions or concerns about gum disease or treatment options, please contact our dental office today for a no-obligation consultation.
Our gentle periodontal treatment in Allis, WI, restores much of your oral health and prevents the severe complications associated with periodontitis.
Our treatment protocols consider the severity of your periodontal disease, and we design a plan that addresses your specific needs.
Treatments may include:
Periodontal disease is a series of infections in the ligaments and bones that support teeth. It is a treatable condition, but it is not typically reversible.
However, if your dentist catches periodontal disease in the early gingivitis stage, we can eliminate it because the infections have not reached the bone. Without treatment, you risk tooth loss and physical health complications.
To significantly lower your periodontal disease risks, see your dentist every six months for thorough checkups and professional teeth cleanings.
If you notice bleeding gums, gum recession, or an elongated appearance of your teeth, it’s essential to contact your Allis dentist for a periodontal assessment.
We offer gentle and compassionate periodontal treatment in a judgment-free zone. To learn more or arrange a visit with the dentist, reach out today to a member of our dental staff.
Dr. Roberto Monteagudo lives in Milwaukee and makes family time with his wife, Gina, and their seven children a top priority. He also enjoys outdoor activities and is deeply committed to giving back to his community through charitable events such as Dentistry from the Heart, to which he donated over $20,000 in services over the last two years. He also provides academic scholarships to local youth in the Milwaukee community.
His warmth and caring combined with his commitment to patient comfort through sedation dentistry, leading edge, gentle, and non-invasive ...
Do you reach for an afternoon snack? If you do, you're not alone as many people "graze" throughout the day, sometimes more than once. This snacking, however, can actually be detrimental to your oral health. Your West Milwaukee dentist explains why this is true and what you can do to ...
In our first blog post, Dr. Roberto Monteagudo of WisconsinSmiles wrote about the “Link Between your Mouth and your Heart.” Dr. Monteagudo defined periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, as an inflammatory condition caused by plaque, bacteria and tartar buildup around the teeth and gums. The blog discussed the ...
Did you know that there is a direct link between your teeth and your heart? The Journal of Periodontology conducted a study that confirms people with periodontal disease are at a greater risk of systemic health issues such as cardiovascular disease.
The study found that diseased gums are significantly more likely to release ...