Periodontics in Virginia

For optimal oral health, it is not enough to only have healthy teeth. You also need to have healthy gums. Your gums enhance the beauty of your smile by framing your teeth. Your gums are also the foundation that holds your teeth in place. In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the United States. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of U.S. adults in their 30s have some level of chronic gum disease. Periodontal disease starts out as gingivitis, which is characterized by red and swollen gums that may bleed during brushing and flossing. With the right periodontal services, gingivitis can normally be reversed before there is permanent damage to the teeth and gums. If not treated, infection may develop underneath the gumline and around the tooth roots, which can cause the gums to recede and the bones and ligaments supporting the teeth to deteriorate. This is referred to as periodontitis and requires treatment by a gum disease specialist known as a periodontist.