periodontal disease
Practicing consistent oral health habits—like brushing and flossing daily—plays a critical role in preventing plaque buildup between your teeth. Left untreated, plaque can lead to periodontal disease, a progressive condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of your teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 65 million Americans suffer from periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease. If not treated early, gum disease can cause gum recession, tooth mobility, and even tooth loss.
At DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, we emphasize early detection and proactive care to stop gum disease before it progresses. Maintaining daily hygiene and attending regular dental checkups are essential steps to protect your gums, teeth, and overall health.
Keep your gums healthy and combat gum disease.
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What is gum disease?
combating periodontal disease in Washington, DC
Gum disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and the bone structure supporting your teeth. It typically begins when plaque builds up along the gumline, leading to inflammation and irritation of the surrounding tissue.
Healthy gums are usually firm, coral pink, and fit snugly around each tooth with a pointed edge. When plaque is not removed through proper brushing and flossing, it can cause gingivitis — the earliest stage of gum disease.
In this stage, you may notice that your gums are red, swollen, or bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing. While gingivitis is usually painless, it is a warning sign that your oral health needs attention. Fortunately, with early intervention and proper care, gingivitis is reversible.
At DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re here to help you detect and treat gum disease in its earliest stages — before it leads to more serious complications.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Plaque buildup is the leading cause of gum disease. When plaque is not removed daily through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar — a calcified substance that adheres to the teeth and gumline. Tartar is packed with bacteria that irritate the gums, eventually breaking down the connective fibers that hold the gums securely to the teeth.
As this breakdown progresses, it creates periodontal pockets that trap more bacteria, leading to infection, inflammation, and gum recession. If left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth mobility, severe pain, swelling, and ultimately tooth loss.
In addition to poor oral hygiene, other risk factors for developing gum disease include:
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes
- Chronic stress or teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Unhealthy diet lacking essential nutrients
- Diabetes and other systemic health conditions
- Genetic predisposition
At DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, we help patients understand and manage these risk factors through preventive care, personalized treatment, and education.
Early detection and consistent oral hygiene are key to protecting your smile from gum disease.
The Link Between Gum Disease
AND YOUR Overall Health
Research shows that gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth — it can also impact your overall health. Individuals with periodontal disease may have an increased risk of developing heart disease, experiencing complications with blood sugar control, and, in the case of pregnant women, delivering preterm or low birth-weight babies.
The best way to reduce your risk is through consistent
preventive care. This includes
daily brushing and flossing to remove plaque, along with
twice-yearly professional dental cleanings at
DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry. Early detection and regular oral hygiene not only protect your
teeth and gums, but also contribute to your long-term
systemic health.
How Gum Disease Is Treated
In the early stages of gum disease, treatment typically involves a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. At DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, this non-surgical therapy is often the first step in reversing gingivitis and halting the progression of periodontitis.
Scaling involves carefully removing tartar and plaque buildup from above and below the gum line.
Root planing smooths out rough areas on the tooth roots, where bacteria tend to accumulate, helping gums reattach to the tooth surface.
To support healing and reduce infection, your dentist may also prescribe antibacterial mouthwash, topical antibiotics, or recommend laser gum therapy — a minimally invasive option that targets diseased tissue with greater precision and faster recovery. In more advanced cases of periodontitis, surgical treatment may be necessary. This can include gum flap surgery, bone grafts, or the removal of severely infected teeth to stop the spread of infection and restore oral health. If you're experiencing symptoms of gum disease, early intervention is key.
Schedule a periodontal evaluation at our Washington, DC office today and let us help you restore your gum health.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
The most effective way to prevent gum disease is by practicing consistent oral hygiene and staying on top of routine dental care. Brushing and flossing daily helps remove plaque, the primary cause of gum disease, while visiting your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings ensures deeper buildup is safely removed.
You can also reduce your risk by
maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support gum health and by
avoiding tobacco products, which are strongly linked to
periodontal disease.
At DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re here to help you keep your gums healthy and your smile strong with personalized prevention plans.
Contact Us Today for Gum Disease Treatment
If you're experiencing symptoms of
gum disease, don’t wait — contact the trusted team at
DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry today. Our experienced dental professionals will perform a
comprehensive periodontal exam to determine whether
gum disease is present, assess its severity, and recommend the most effective treatment plan for your needs. We’re committed to helping you
restore your gum health, prevent future complications, and protect your smile for the long term.
Schedule your consultation at our Washington, DC office today and take the first step toward healthier gums and a healthier you.
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SERVING THE WASHINGTON DC AREA SINCE 2017
At DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer comprehensive and personalized dental care tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care using state-of-the-art techniques and technologies. We are committed to providing safe, effective treatments that will help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile.
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DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry provides patients with exceptional dental care. Our experienced dentists and staff strive to ensure that each visit is a pleasant experience. We are proud of the relationships we have established with our patients over the years and thank them for their loyalty and trust. To see what our current patients have to say about our comprehensive dental services, check out our reviews!
