Treating Gum Disease & Protecting Oral Health in Littlestown, PA
At Littlestown Dental Associates, we are your trusted partners for achieving and maintaining a healthy smile. Dr. Mike Strickler and his team proudly provide solutions designed to diagnose, treat, and prevent gum disease effectively.
We know the significant role healthy gums play in your oral health and overall well-being. Our team offers a wide range of services that can be easily customized to your needs. From education and prevention to non-surgical procedures and maintenance, we can help!
We enjoy serving individuals and their families across the Littlestown, Hanover, Gettysburg, and Westminster communities. Do not let gum infection affect your smile or quality of life! Contact Littlestown Dental Associates to get your treatment started today!
CALL US: (717) 359-5723 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an oral infection. The bacteria found in excess dental plaque and tartar buildup will irritate and inflame the gums. As time goes by, the infection attacks the gum tissues, ligaments, and tooth roots. If left untreated, this condition can result in tooth loss, gum recession, and damage to the jawbone.
7 Signs You May Have Gum Disease
It's not uncommon for individuals to be unaware they have gum disease. The condition can be painless, and symptoms can be mild in the early stages. As the condition progresses, symptoms can include:
- Red, swollen, and sensitive gums
- Gums that bleed during brushing and flossing
- Persistent pain or discomfort in your gums
- Constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Teeth that appear longer due to gum recession
- Loosening or shifting teeth
- Spaces that form between teeth and gums, also known as periodontal pockets
They only way to confirm you have this condition is to receive a professional dental exam. If you or a loved one suspect you may have an infection, we recommend contacting Dr. Strickler as soon as possible.
If Gum Disease Is Present, What Can Help?
At Littlestown Dental Associates, we diagnose and confirm your situation with accuracy. We use advanced technologies to gain valuable insight about everything regarding your oral health. Digital and panoramic x-rays let us view detailed images of your teeth, gums, jaws, and facial structures.
Combining this information with evaluations of your medical and dental health history allows our team to provide a precise treatment plan. We also consider any genetic, diet, or lifestyle factors that could impact your gum health. From there, we'll work closely with you to develop a strategy for bringing your smile back to optimal health.
Protecting More than Your Gums Through Prevention
Good oral hygiene and bi-annual dental visits are your first defense against gum disease. Routine brushing and flossing help control plaque buildup that can contribute to the problem. Exams allow our team to detect oral health issues before they develop into more severe concerns. Professional cleanings every six months can effectively remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar from hard to reach places.
These preventive measures can protect you from disease before it becomes a threat to your smile and overall health. Individuals with untreated gum infection are at risk for developing other issues that cause complications throughout the body.
Education for Effective Prevention
As part of your care, Dr. Strickler takes the time to educate you about the vital role consistent oral hygiene has on your overall wellness. This interaction helps us establish a collaborative approach to your care. During appointments, we demonstrate the right way to brush and floss and identify the possible risks in your gum health.
During exams, our intraoral cameras show you what's going on in real-time. These hand-held cameras help you understand the current status of your oral health. Out team will discuss why prevention is essential, and what you can do to protect your smile at home.
Understanding Why Prevention is Important: The Oral Systemic Connection
The same oral bacteria that can contribute to gum disease can lead to complications throughout the body. This is because oral and overall health is closely related, also known as the oral-systemic connection.
An oral infection that is not treated can access the bloodstream, causing inflammation in other areas of the body. This irritation can cause complications with cardiovascular health, managing diabetes, arthritis, blood pressure, and pregnancy.
Available Gum Disease Treatments
Treatments for gum disease will depend on the stage of infection. For mild to moderate conditions, we provide effective non-surgical treatments, including:
Perio Tray® Method: This method is a comprehensive way to treat gum inflammation using a simple method of delivery. We take impressions of your smile and send the information to the trusted Perio Protect lab where they craft your custom tray. Shaped like a mouthguard, the tray is filled with safe, powerful hydrogen peroxide and ARRESTIN® antibiotics to fight gum infection at home in-between visits. We often combine this treatment with additional deep cleaning procedures done in our office.
The daily application of medication combats bacteria buildup and keeps disease-causing microbes from recolonizing and gives your gums time to heal correctly. This is especially useful for individuals with diabetes, heart disease, and other health conditions made more complicated by gum infection.
Scaling & Root Planing: Our skilled hygienists can treat infected areas with deep cleanings called scaling and root planing. Tooth scaling involves removing bacterial plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of teeth and along the gumline. We clean tooth roots with root planing and smooth them out to promote proper healing and tissue re-attachment. This procedure can reduce your symptoms and prevent further infection.
Gum Disease Maintenance
If you are prone to gum disease or have been treated previously, maintenance cleanings are often necessary. This involves ongoing care to prevent the reinfection of your gums. Depending on your needs, we may recommend maintenance every three months.
Let's Get Your Oral Health Back on Track!
Dr. Mike Strickler and his Littlestown Dental Associates team provide comprehensive gum disease care for all ages. If you suspect you may have gum infection, contact our office today!
CALL US: (717) 359-5723 REQUEST APPOINTMENT