To have a great smile and stable systemic health, take care of your gums. Dr. Vincent Grosso II in Kissimmee, FL, can evaluate for and 
treat periodontal disease. After all the CDC says gum problems are the number one cause of tooth loss in the US. Learn more about what periodontitis involves and what you can do about it.
What is periodontal disease?
Typically caused by neglected brushing and flossing and a lack of periodic check-ups with your Kissimmee dentist, periodontitis, and its milder form, gingivitis, is an infection of the gum tissue. Leading to inflammation and gum recession, periodontal disease harms both oral health and systemic well-being.
As such, Dr. Grosso and his team are vigilant about gum exams and care.
Signs you have periodontal disease
While mild gingivitis may exhibit no symptoms whatsoever, gum disease may show itself to you or your dentist by these signs:
- Changing dental bite
- Bleeding
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness and pain
- Sores on the gums
- Gum pocket depth greater than three millimeters (as measured by your dentist or hygienist)
As gum disease progresses pocket between the soft tissue and tooth surface increases in depth, collecting more and more plaque and tartar. These biofilms, as dentists call them, contain the bacteria which lead to infection and inflammation. Left unchecked, bone recession and tooth may follow.
Treating gum disease
Your care plan depends on the extent of the problem. Dr. Grosso will aim at gum re-attachment and limiting both soft and hard tissue destruction. Your treatment could include one or more of the following:
- Tooth scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar, allowing the gums to re-attach
- Placement of antibiotics under the gums or orally as needed
- Gum and/or bone grafting with your own tissue or that of a donor (there are synthetic materials, too)
- Debridement of infected tissue (a painless, no-suture procedure)
Strengthen your oral health
Dealing with periodontal disease is so important. Dr. Vincent Grosso II and his dedicated team will give you the best treatment and help you maintain your gum health at home, too. For more information, or to arrange your six-month examination and hygienic cleaning, please call the office at (407) 350-5969.