For Gum Disease Treatment, Belchertown comes to Valley Dentists

Want to live a long and healthy life? You’ll have a better chance of doing just that if you brush and floss your teeth everyday. Of course you know that daily oral hygiene at home and regularly scheduled checkups are a must for a bright and fresh smile. But did you know that you’re also doing your overall health a big favor when you brush and floss? Why? Because there is a proven connection between the health of your mouth—specifically your gums—and the health of your body. Gum disease and the accompanying inflammation are the culprits. To reverse the effects of this bacterial infection, Dr. Medaugh and his team at Valley Dentists of Belchertown provide gum disease treatment, so your mouth and your body have a healthy prognosis.

Both gingivitis and periodontitis, the early and later stages of gum disease, begin with plaque and tartar. Plaque is a colorless biofilm that is comprised of saliva, bacteria and small particles of food. If not removed with regular brushing, plaque hardens to become tartar. The bacteria in both can lead to gum disease, which is recognized by reddening or bleeding gum tissue, bad breath, enlarged gum pockets around teeth and drifting teeth. Eventually, teeth may need to be extracted if periodontal disease advances too far.

The Health Effects of Gum Disease

Beyond the troubles in your mouth, gum disease can lead to a number of bodily diseases and illnesses. Chief among these are heart disease. Researchers believe that the inflammatory response that gum disease triggers can also lead to inflammation of the cardiovascular system and may even lead to heart attacks. In fact, there are doctors who believe that lives could indeed be saved simply by treating gum disease.

Periodontal Therapy in Belchertown

At Valley Dentists of Belchertown, we treat periodontal disease with scaling and root planing. During scaling, a dental hygienist removes plaque and any stuck-on tartar. Then, the roots are planed to remove rough spots where plaque and tartar are more likely to adhere. We may also apply a topical antibiotic called Arestin that continues to kill bacteria for days after you’ve had treatment.

Call Our Office Today

If you’ve noticed that your gums are sensitive or that they bleed when your brush and floss at home, then please contact your Belchertown dentist to schedule a visit. We want to help eliminate gum disease from your mouth, so you’ll have a better chance to enjoy a long and healthy life.