Periodontal Care
Gum disease is very common, and it is estimated that approximately 80% of Americans will experience some form of gum disease in their lifetime. However, that does not mean that it is not a serious matter. Gum disease always begins as gingivitis, which can be reversed with an enhanced oral care routine. Gingivitis can then develop into mild, moderate, and severe periodontal disease. To learn more about our periodontal care and schedule a visit with our team, please contact us!
What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is often caused by inadequate dental care. Patients who frequently smoke and/or chew tobacco are also at an increased risk of developing periodontitis. Genetic factors, pregnancy, and side effects of certain medications can also influence gum health. Gum disease is characterized by red, swollen-looking gums, gum bleeding, and sensitive teeth and gums, so if you notice any of these symptoms, we recommend scheduling a visit with our team, especially if you're at an increased risk of developing gum disease.
How is periodontal disease treated?
Periodontitis is not completely reversible, so it needs to be maintained with regular deep cleanings. Deep cleanings involve scaling and root planing. Scaling is when plaque and tartar are removed from the gum pockets, and root planing is done to smooth out the tooth roots and help the gums reattach to the teeth. Deep cleanings take longer than regular teeth cleanings, and patients typically need to schedule more than two deep cleanings per year to ensure that their teeth and gums remain as clean and healthy as possible.
What happens if periodontal disease is not treated?
Since periodontal disease is not totally curable, patients may not feel like there's much of a point in managing their periodontitis. On the contrary, managing the symptoms of your periodontal disease is crucial for maintaining the healthiest smile possible. If periodontal disease is left untreated, the gums can recede, the jawbone can become damaged, and teeth can become loose and fall out.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr Ryan Bailey DDS, FAGD
Hello!
My name is Dr. Ryan Bailey, and I am excited to introduce you to North River Dental Care! We are a gentle, soothing, and comfortable dental practice dedicated to excellence and serving the Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and surrounding communities!
I earned my dental degree at the VCU School of Dentistry, where I was named to the Dean’s List for outstanding academic achievement. I also received several awards for high quality of care and conscientious attention to detail, including the Quintessence Publishing Company Award in Periodontics (healing gums and bone), the Teledyne ...
Featured Blog Posts - Periodontal Care
The Stages of Gum Disease & How to Prevent Them
If you’ve ever noticed a little bleeding when you floss or brush, you might have brushed it off. But that small sign could be your gums trying to tell you something. Gum disease doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a gradual process that often starts quietly and builds over time.
At North River Dental Care in Fredericksburg, Dr. Ryan Bailey and our team often remind patients that healthy gums are just as important as healthy teeth. Gum disease develops in stages, but with the right care, it’s almost always preventable—and, in its earliest form, ...
Common Causes of Bleeding Gums
Do your gums bleed when you’re brushing and flossing your teeth? Healthy gums shouldn’t bleed. Bleeding gums can be caused by a few different things. For example:
Gum Disease
Plaque that builds up on your teeth and around your gum line causes irritation and inflammation. This is called gingivitis, or the first stage of gum disease. Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is characterized by gum infection. Both gingivitis and periodontitis can result in bleeding gums.
Aggressive Toothbrushing
It’s great if you’re enthusiastic about brushing your teeth but don’t let that translate into ...
