By many estimates, gum disease is the most common type of disease afflicting people in the United States. In fact, a Centers of Disease Control study suggests that nearly half of all American adults have some degree of periodontitis disease – the advanced form of the disease. That’s more than 60 million adults! Those chilling facts are just one of the reasons Dr. Karen Kang and her team at Ebenezer Dental are so focused on providing the best gum disease prevention and treatment in midtown Manhattan.
Dr. Karen Kang has vast experience preventing, identifying, and treating gum disease in all its forms. By scheduling and keeping your regular dental check-ups at Ebenezer Dental, you can ensure that you will receive the gum disease screening you need to protect your gums from this dangerous condition.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection that occurs in the gums and the bones that provide support for your teeth. It is one of the major causes for tooth loss in many adults, and is typically difficult for patients to detect on their own. Patients who have poor oral hygiene, genetic predispositions, crooked teeth, or health complications like diabetes can be at greater risk for developing this disease. Common symptoms can include:
- Gums that bleed, or that are red and swollen
- Receding gums that pull away from your teeth
- Unexplained changes in your bite
- Persistent bad taste in your mouth, or foul breath
- Loose teeth, especially when there is no other explanation
- Sores inside your mouth
Gum disease is the result of hardened plaque that forms tartar at the gum line. The disease is painless, which is one of the reasons why it is so difficult to detect without a dental examination.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and is usually accompanied by red and swollen gums that can bleed when you brush or floss. This type of gum disease is reversible with professional dental cleanings and renewed emphasis on daily oral hygiene. More advanced cases are called periodontitis. At this stage of the disease, patients can lose bone and tissue and suffer other health consequences – including being at higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory ailments. Early detection is critical for effective gum disease prevention and treatment.
How Does Gum Disease Prevention and Treatment Work?
The best approach to dealing with gum disease is to prevent it with consistent oral hygiene and regular check-ups at your dentist’s office. When gum disease is detected, however, treatment typically involves one of several options.
Effective periodontal disease treatment begins with increased attention to brushing and flossing. Sometimes, patients need to learn more effective ways to brush. In addition to redoubling those efforts, some patients may also need to receive a scaling treatment to remove that hard plaque from their gum lines.
Effective periodontal disease treatment begins with increased attention to brushing and flossing. Sometimes, patients need to learn more effective ways to brush. In addition to redoubling those efforts, some patients may also need to receive a scaling treatment to remove that hard plaque from their gum lines.
Dentists often prescribe antibiotics as well, to assist the body in ridding itself of the infection. Dr. Kang will evaluate your needs and discuss your options with you during your appointment.
The Gum Disease Prevention and Treatment Experts at Ebenezer Dental
Dr. Karen Kang can help you with your gum disease prevention and treatment needs. When you schedule an appointment at her midtown Manhattan office in the historic Garment District of New York City, you can rest assured that you’ll receive the care you need from the best dentist in NYC. Call Ebenezer Dental today to schedule your appointment, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your teeth are healthy and disease-free.