Protect Your Gums with Expert Periodontal Therapy in Green Village, NJ

Modern dental technology like digital x-rays not only helps to address concerns early on but may also enable our periodontist, Dr. Beth Dorfman and our experienced dental hygienists, to recommend less invasive treatment options to counteract gum disease.

While many cases of periodontal disease can be effectively treated by our dental hygienists, Vaccaro Aesthetic and Family Dentistry also has an in-house periodontist who is available for appointments at our practice every other Wednesday. Instead of having to refer individuals to another office for periodontal care, this can help make the process more convenient for patients who need treatment for particularly severe gum disease.

Treat and Prevent Gum Disease for a Healthier Smile

If it’s been a while since your last routine dental appointment, we invite you to give us a call.  We warmly welcome new patients at our dental office in the Chatham and Morristown, NJ area. Whether it’s been six months or six years since your last spin in the dental chair, rest assured you’ll get no judgment from us. We simply want to put you back on track to taking good care of your oral health.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, occurs when plaque and bacteria accumulate between the teeth and gums along the gumline. Periodontal disease is actually very common and can develop even with stringent oral care. Only a qualified and trained dentist or dental hygienist can properly remove the plaque, bacteria, and tartar associated with gum disease using special tools and techniques. For the most effective treatment, it is imperative for patients to visit their dental professional for twice annual cleanings and examinations.

Gum disease must be treated. Without treatment, it will continue to progress, and eventually, you might even lose teeth. In fact, gum disease is the top cause of adult tooth loss in this country, probably because it often goes unnoticed. Many times there are no telltale signs of this insidious disease until it’s too late to reverse it. The only way to know for sure if you have healthy gums is with regular checkups at the dentist.

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors for Gum Disease?

Generally, gum disease evolves from an accumulation of plaque on the teeth and within the gums. When plaque is not removed and remains untreated, it hardens into a substance called tartar (also known as calculus) and the bacteria in the plaque may develop into an infection. This tartar is virtually impossible to remove with regular brushing and flossing alone, as it can develop in hard-to-reach areas.

For this reason, maintaining routine professional dental cleanings and exams every six months can help deter plaque and tartar before settling in and causing gum disease. Additionally, certain risk factors may increase the chances of developing gum disease:

• Chronic illness
• Heart disease
• Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy
• Certain medications
• Smoking and using tobacco products
• Poor diet/nutrition or vitamin deficiencies
• Bruxism (grinding or clenching the teeth)
• Hereditary gum disease
• Insufficient/inadequate daily oral hygiene regimens

As the leading cause of adult tooth loss in America, it’s important not to let gum disease go unnoticed. Twice-annual visits to the dentist (or more if recommended) for in-depth cleanings and thorough exams are the best defense for eliminating bacteria and taking control of the condition as soon as possible.

If you have questions about periodontal care or dental treatments available at our practice, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Vaccaro Aesthetic & Family Dentistry today.