Periodontics

Serving Greater Southern Maine and the New Hampshire Seacoast.

Periodontal disease affects an estimated three out of four adults in the United States. It is also the leading cause of tooth loss.  Factors like smoking, poor dental hygiene, and genetics result in the development of this tooth and gum disease. Thankfully, early diagnosis and treatment can be very effective at controlling the damage and helping you make the return to good dental health.

The Scope of Periodontics

At Kennebunk Center for Dentistry, we diagnose, evaluate, and treat clients with a wide range of stages of periodontal disease. Our dentists also work hard to educate current clients and their family members on the importance of prevention and lifelong tooth and gum maintenance. Periodontal disease refers to the functional and structural problems of the periodontal membrane and surrounding oral tissue. When disease compromises the health of your teeth and gums, you need an experienced dentist to focus on damage control, prognosis, and effective treatment solutions.

Signs of Periodontal Disease

The most common cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a hardened bacterial film that protects bacteria from your saliva and allows their acid secretions to gradually wear away at tooth and gum tissue. Untreated cases can result in severe enamel damage, multiple tooth loss, and jaw bone loss. Periodontal disease has also been linked to life-threatening conditions like heart disease and diabetes. If you experience any of the signs or symptoms listed below, it is crucial that you report any potential issues to your dentist right away.

Remember also that the early stages of gum disease often have no outwardly visible signs, so regular dental visits are extremely important.

Be on the lookout for signs of gum disease:

  • Inflammation of the gum tissue
  • Frequent tooth problems, pain, irritation, and tooth loss
  • Itchy or tender gums
  • Bleeding in the mouth.
  • Receding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Shifting teeth
  • Changes in the fit of partial dentures
  • Rapid deterioration of enamel or dental work
  • Increased spacing between teeth
  • Development of deep pockets between teeth

Personalized Treatment for Gum Disease

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