Periodontal (Gum) Therapy

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease begins with gingivitis, an infection caused by bacteria found in plaque. If it is left untreated, the disease can progress to exhibit several painful symptoms, including receding gums, tooth loss, and more.

Our in-house periodontists provide several treatments which vary depending on the condition of your gums. Common symptoms of gum disease include:

Gums that are swollen, red, or tender
Gums that bleed easily
Loose teeth
Persistent bad breath
Painful chewing
Receding gums or teeth that appear longer than usual

Gum Therapy

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We invite you to book an appointment so we can better understand your dental concerns, explore treatment options, and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your best smile!

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Gum Therapy

Risk Factors for Gum Disease

While gum disease is asymptomatic in its earliest stages, there are a few risk factors for periodontitis to be aware of in order to catch this illness before it can really take hold.

If you suffer from chronic stress, bruxism, diabetes, or have a genetic predisposition to the disease, you may be at higher risk. Also, smoking, certain medications, and poor nutrition can increase the likelihood of getting gum disease.

If you meet any of these criteria, be certain to schedule your routine check-up right away to take the necessary preventative measures.

Gum Disease & Pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect your teeth and gums, increasing the risk of issues like pregnancy gingivitis. That’s why it’s important not to skip regular dental checkups. Let your dentist know you're pregnant and share any medications or prenatal vitamins you're taking; this helps us tailor your care safely.

Dental Care During Pregnancy

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Whether you're a first-time parent or growing your family, we're here to support you with personalized dental care during this important time.

Elective procedures like teeth whitening should wait until after delivery. While we avoid X-rays during pregnancy, emergencies may require them. In these cases, we use low-radiation digital technology and take extra precautions to protect you and your baby.

If you notice gum tenderness, swelling, or bleeding, contact us right away. We’re here to help you maintain a healthy smile throughout your pregnancy and beyond.

Coping with Morning Sickness

If morning sickness is keeping you from brushing your teeth, change to a bland-tasting toothpaste during pregnancy. Ask your dentist or hygienist to recommend brands. Rinse your mouth out with water or a mouth rinse if you suffer from morning sickness and have bouts of frequent vomiting.

Nutrition for You and Baby

While they may look great, try to avoid sugary snacks. Sweet cravings are common during pregnancy; however, keep in mind that the more frequently you snack, the greater the chance of developing tooth decay. Additionally, some studies have shown that the bacteria responsible for tooth decay are passed from the mother to the baby. So be mindful of what you eat!

You will need to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Your baby’s first teeth begin to develop about three months into pregnancy. Healthy diets containing dairy products, cheese, and yogurt are a good source of essential minerals and are beneficial for a baby’s developing teeth, gums, and bones.

At Dawson Dental, we treat our patients like family, and we are truly passionate about providing care that is curated to your life. That’s why our staff is trained to understand the unique dental concerns of women who are pregnant.

If you’re expecting and have questions about your oral health, we’re here for you!

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