Gum Disease

I was very pleased with everyone. They understood my concerns and really respected them. I was extremely pleased that there was no pressure. I left with the feeling that, while they were concerned with my dental health, they understood that I needed to make the decisions in my own way and in my needed time. -Donna

Gums Should Never Bleed!

If your gums bleed while you’re brushing or flossing, you probably have periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease. You shouldn’t be surprised to have this condition affecting your life, considering it afflicts 80% of Americans, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. Gum disease can be characterized by not only bleeding gums, but also redness and swelling, chronic bad breath, and loose teeth. If you have family history of periodontal disease, there is a higher risk that you may have this disease.

Is Gum Disease A Big Deal?

Gum disease is caused by bacteria that has infected the gum tissue and irritated it in a number of ways. If it remains untreated, it can have long-term damage to oral health, including loss of teeth and bone loss. Additionally, the toxins can travel through the blood stream to major organs and cause heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, and respiratory disease.

Fixing Your Smile With Periodontics

If you are lucky enough to not have gum disease, but are still unhappy with your smile, periodontic treatments can offer you a solution. Your teeth may be white and straight, but some may look a little short, and some look too long. Through periodontal cosmetic surgery, Dr. Moss can make “short” teeth appear longer; the procedure – crown lengthening – removes excess gum tissue to show more of your natural tooth.

Contact us at our Lafayette office today for a consultation appointment about the best ways to fit periodontics into your treatment plan.

Gum Disease F.A.Q.s

1. I brush and floss everyday, so why do my gums still bleed?

Bleeding gums is a defining sign of gum and bone disease, called periodontal disease.  Many factors contribute to this disease including tartar build up that forms below the gums.  Having your teeth professionally cleaned regularly can control  many of these factors.

2. What causes periodontal (gum) disease?

Periodontal disease has many causes, as well as links to a variety of other systemic diseases.  Many cases include tartar build up, but may also include factors such as immuno-compromised diseases, heart disease, diabetes, and just simple genetics.

3. How can periodontal disease be treated?

While there is no cure for periodontal disease,  our hope is to help you make your oral environment as healthy as possible, through techniques such as cleaning on a regular basis.  Bacteria that causes periodontal disease bury themselves into the gums, bone, and root surface deep below the surface of the gums, which we try to combat with deep cleanings and scalings.  In our office, we often treat gum disease with LANAP, a new technology that uses a laser to zap the bad bugs in these hidden areas. Learn more  about LANAP on our Technology page.

LANAP Testimonials

Dr Moss and staff, Your level of service, patience and understanding is AMAZING. Every one there is very pleasant and always willing to answer my questions no matter how silly I think they may be. I am definitely a strong advocate of LANAP…truly painless. I was very fearful and had NO reason to be. May god bless you, your families, and your business. – Debbie Foreman

Every visit is a very pleasant experience. The staff is very kind, friendly, but professional. I have always enjoyed my appointed visits, which says a lot about dental visits. Thanks for all that you folks do, you do it very well, to a high standard…. And you all look good doing it!! Best regards.. – Lee

Needing dental work for periodontal disease, I contacted Dr. Moss’ office and set up the LANAP procedure. I went through two procedures. They were painless and helped to stabilize my dental issues. The staff at Dr moss office are kind, caring and show much interest in the patient. I feel it was definitely worth the cost and time in helping to resolve the dental problems. – Elton Bruner III

I came to Dr Moss 5 years ago & my teeth and gums were in horrible shape. I had advanced periodontal disease and was at risk of losing most of my bottom front teeth. Dr Moss performed LANAP & it literally changed my life & my health improved. The shifting and bone loss has drastically improved, and now I have a smile I am proud of. Dr Moss and staff are AMAZING! I moved to Houston 2 ½ years ago and still make the 3 ½ hour trip to get my cleanings, fillings etc. for my entire family! – Sara Hicks

When I first went to visit Dr. Moss my teeth & gums were in very bad shape. I had not seen a dentist in over ten years as I was terrified of dentists. My gums would often bleed & seemed to be disappearing. Dr Moss and explained things in great detail and in an understandable manner and always invite & answer questions. Dr Moss suggested the LANAP procedure to get my bone and gums healthy again. I had the treatment done and now my gums are in great shape. The results were close to miraculous and now my gums look healthy and never bleed. Through the kindness of Dr Moss and his staff I no longer fear dental treatment and my teeth are also in great condition. Thank you! – Istvan Berkeley

I am a patient of Dr Moss and In June 2011 I had the LANAP laser procedure done. I had severe periodontal disease and my teeth were getting loose from all of the bone loss. It has been a year and a half since the laser procedure was done and I’ve had great success. My bone and gums are healthier where the diseased areas were and it is stabilizing my teeth. It feels incredible. As far as the actual procedure, it was a breeze. I had no pain, minor discomfort and a quick recovery. The biggest pain was having to eat soft foods for a month. No big deal!! Thank you! – Tony Daigle

Related Periodontal (Gum) Disease Articles

The Link Between Heart & Gum Diseases
Inflammation has emerged as a factor that is involved in the process of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), which commonly results in heart attacks and strokes. While the precise role inflammation plays in causing chronic CVD remains an area of intense current investigation, much more is now known. The good news is that, based on current research, we know that if we can reduce the inflammation caused by periodontal disease, we can reduce the risk for heart attacks and strokes… Read Article

Understanding Gum (Periodontal) Disease
Have your gums ever bled when you brushed or flossed? This most commonly overlooked simple sign may be the start of silent (periodontal) disease leading to tooth loss. Learn what you can do to prevent this problem and keep your teeth for life… Read Article

Diabetes & Periodontal Disease
Diabetes and periodontal disease are chronic inflammatory diseases that impact the health of millions of people. What you may not know is that diabetes and periodontal disease can adversely affect each other… Read Article

Warning Signs of Periodontal (Gum) Disease
This article provides the warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease. Don’t wait until it’s too late… Read Article