Patients in Meridian learn the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of gum disease

The health of your mouth, teeth, and gums can affect your whole body. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the United States. This chronic condition has been linked to several health conditions such as respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Dr. Griffin Cole and our caring team take the time to evaluate the signs and symptoms of an oral health condition before providing an accurate diagnosis and a recommendation for the best treatment.

Meeting the needs of patients

Patients in Meridian, and beyond, seek Dr. Cole and our team for various reasons including exceptional care, unwavering ethical practices, and safe and effective treatments. During a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Cole will want to know about your signs and symptoms and when they developed. His priority is identifying the right treatment to meet your individual needs. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of gum disease, so you can seek dental care promptly. They include:

• persistent bad breath or bad taste
• gums that bleed when brushing and flossing
• red, swollen, tender gums
• teeth that become loose

Identifying the risk factors of gum disease

Dr. Cole and our team educate patients about the risk factors of gum disease. By understanding the risk factors, patients are more aware of the ways they can prevent the condition. Factors that increase the risk of developing gum disease include, but are not limited to smoking or chewing tobacco, genetics, pregnancy, diabetes, and certain medications. Dr. Cole and our team work with patients to develop preventive care plans customized to their needs.

Providing safe treatment for gum disease

When patients are diagnosed with gum disease, we provide several treatments to protect the health of their smiles. Root planing and scaling, also known as deep cleaning, removes the tartar from above and below the gum line to get rid of rough spots where bacteria gather. We can use ozonated water during the cleanings. Ozone can also be applied by using custom-fitted Perio trays to treat infection. All of our treatments are biocompatible and proven as highly effective, utilizing the safest technology and materials. Dr. Cole and our team want to protect the health of your smile. If you have experienced signs or symptoms of gum disease, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Cole by calling (512) 472-3565.