Despite all the progress modern dentistry has made in our lifetimes, gum disease (what dentists call periodontitis) is still rampant in adults, especially those over 50. Gum disease affects somewhere between 30 and 60 percent of Baby Boomers, and well over 90% in some populations of Seniors.

Untreated gum disease still accounts for about 80% of all adult tooth loss in the U.S.

Most importantly, even early stages of gum disease have a strong correlation to many serious health conditions throughout the body. Periodontitis is linked with fatal heart attacks and strokes, pneumonia, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, several types of cancer, pre-term/low-birthweight babies and other pregnancy complications, significantly lowered life expectancy, and many more.

Periodontitis is a completely painless condition, with very few symptoms in the early stages. I can be difficult for you to tell if you have gum disease. Fortunately, it’s easy for us to diagnose and treat.

Gum disease is a “chronic” condition, which means that it’s (currently) still incurable. However, it’s definitely treatable. Today’s therapies are much more conservative, comfortable, and successful than ever before. With high-tech imaging, lasers, antiseptic rinses, ultrasonic instruments, microscopic antibiotic powders, and a host of other comfortable treatment options, improvement and stabilization of this destructive condition is nearly always possible.

Sadly, the vast majority of affected adults don’t seek treatment early enough, or they don’t continue treatment long enough to effectively manage their condition. This is why so many teeth are still lost to this painless disease.

If left untreated, periodontitis inevitably worsens, becomes more destructive, and leads to irreversible jawbone damage. Over time, the teeth loosen, begin to hurt, and are lost.

 Since our practice is designed specifically for adults, gum disease is the most common chronic condition we see, so we’re experts at diagnosis, treatment, and maintenance. We treat it every single day.

With over three decades of providing compassionate periodontal care, we’ve helped thousands of Baby Boomers and Seniors keep their teeth, and restore their comfort, chewing ability, and confidence.