Periodontitis, which is a form of gum disease, causes severe gum inflammation. Some of the most obvious symptoms of gum disease include red and swollen gums that may or may not bleed. If you have gum disease and do not treat it, you may eventually need one or more teeth extracted.

Periodontitis tends to be more common among people over age 30, and it gets steadily worse over time without proper attention to oral hygiene. Approximately 47 percent of adults over age 30 have some form of gum disease, and that number increases to 70 percent for senior adults. Periodontal therapy in Jay, FL, is critical to reverse the progression of gum disease.

Causes and Symptoms of Periodontitis

The primary cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. If you do not brush and floss your teeth as often as you should, bacteria stick to plaque and tartar already present on the surface of your teeth. When bacteria builds up too much, it becomes lodged in between your teeth and gum line, which is difficult to reach with a toothbrush or dental floss.

The signs of gum disease are not always obvious. We encourage you to schedule an exam with Dr. Jim Lassiter if you notice one or more of the symptoms listed below.

• Bleeding gums
• Discolored gums
• Gum tenderness
• Loose teeth
• Pain when chewing food
• Persistent bad breath
• Pus along your gum line
• Red and/or swollen gums
• Teeth do not fit together properly

The most typical form of periodontal therapy in Jay FL is root planing and scaling, which are forms of dental deep cleaning. It is only when gum disease becomes quite advanced that Dr. Anderson may recommend surgery. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have additional questions about this common oral health condition.

Dr. Jim Lassiter of Lassiter Smiles goes a giant step beyond competence in dental procedures to serve his clients with care and compassion, often willingly taking a patient with an emergency need on short notice. Dr. Spencer Taylor now works alongside Dr. Lassiter in the technology-rich Jay, Florida, dental clinic.

Service Above All

It is this attitude of service from Dr. Lassiter and his team that distinguishes the practice and continues to attract new clients. Because Lassiter Smiles prioritizes regular examinations and preventive care, family members are more likely to retain their natural teeth throughout their lifetimes. Regular examinations and dental cleanings, filling cavities as necessary, and recommending ways to keep gums healthy form the basis of care.

However, if restorative or cosmetic procedures are warranted to improve oral health or improve a smile, a patient can be assured that the team at Lassiter Smiles will recommend the most appropriate options, including straightening, whitening, crowns, or implants. Today’s computer technology today has even made the possibility of same-day crown replacement a reality, eliminating the need for a temporary crown and a return visit to the dental chair.

In addition, Dr. Lassiter routinely screens for potential gum disease and oral cancer.

Call Now for an Appointment

If you’re new to the Jay, FL, area, you can rest assured that you and your family will receive the best possible and most comprehensive care available. Contact us now to schedule an appointment. If you’re an established patient of Lassiter Smiles, we’ll look forward to seeing you at your next scheduled checkup.

Whatever your dental needs might be, we invite you to schedule a consultation so that we may discuss your options for healthy teeth, a bright smile, and lasting oral health.

Remember, we are here to serve your entire family’s dental needs, now and in the future.