There is an epidemic out there affecting millions of Americans. Some of you have it and may not even know it. As a long-time dentist in Longmont CO, it’s my job to educate patients about their teeth and gums. I worry a lot about my patient’s health and the health of my community.

That’s why I’m so concerned about gum disease and dedicated to treating gum disease. At Silver Leaf Dentistry, we are experts at treating gum disease and giving you a healthier, stronger mouth using nonivasive materials and procedures. Give us a call today at 720-504-2539 or use our appointment form.

The widespread problem of gum disease

Gum disease is by far the biggest dental problem facing people across the world. It’s estimated that about 75 percent of people will have gum disease. There are different forms of gum disease. Most forms of gum disease are treatable, but the most severe form of gum disease — periodontitis — is not curable. You’ll need constant care for the rest of your life. If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, you should visit Silver Leaf Dentistry at least once every three to four months for cleanings and exams.

Gum infections and spread fast, and the frequent visits give us a leg up on treating and monitoring the problem.

Why is gum disease so scary?

Gum disease is so dangerous because it’s an infection that attacks the healthy hard and soft tissue in the mouth.
When the infection reaches the gums, it will spread throughout the mouth, especially if it’s not treating. Serious gum disease will create what is known as a “periodontal pocket.” If left untreated, the infection will cause the gums to pull away from the teeth and then reach the bone. Ultimately, the tooth will become loose, which makes it hard to save. Gum disease can cause a few or even all of your teeth to become loose and fail.

Additionally, gum disease has been linked to problems like heart disease and diabetes. While there is no two-way street, studies have shown us that patients with gum disease also are at a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Treating gum disease

There are multiple ways to treat gum disease. You have traditional surgery — which uses scalpels to remove the infection — and even nonsurgical methods like scaling — which removes tartar from the tooth beneath the gum line.
At Silver Leaf Dentistry, we can treat the early stages of gum disease with root planing and scaling. It’s a simple, noninvasive process that can knock out gum disease before it spreads throughout the mouth. We can even place medicine to prevent a future infection. We also encourage our patients to continue to maintain great oral health with a good at-home oral routine. Brushing and flossing are your greatest tools against decay and gum disease.

Come to Silver Leaf Dentistry to get your smile and oral health back on track. We are always accepting new patients. Give us a call today at 720-504-2539 or use our appointment form to request an appointment.