Do you have swollen or bleeding gums? If so, you may already have periodontal disease (gum disease). If left untreated, periodontal disease can slowly deteriorate your gums and the structures that support your teeth, eventually leading to noticeable gum recession and tooth loss. Additionally, many medical studies have shown that periodontal disease is associated with more serious conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Don’t take chances with your good health; schedule the periodontal therapy appointment you need with Dr. Marks or Dr. Martin today.  Donald Marks Family Dentistry is the leading family dentistry of: State College, PA, Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, Hollidaysburg, and the surrounding communities.

Are You at Risk for Developing Periodontal Disease?

• Age: Recent studies indicate that older people have the highest rates of periodontal disease; in fact, over 70% of Americans 65 and older have periodontitis (advanced gum disease).
• Tobacco Use: Many recent studies have also shown that tobacco use could be the most significant risk factor in the development and progression of periodontal disease.
• Genetics: Some patients may actually be genetically more susceptible to periodontal disease.
• Stress: Problems with stress can make it more difficult for your body to fight off infection, including periodontal disease.
• Certain Medications: Some drugs, including oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medicines, can affect your oral health.
• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Clenching or grinding your teeth at night can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal tissues deteriorate.
• Other Diseases: More serious systemic diseases that interfere with the body’s inflammatory system may worsen the condition of your gums, including: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Poor Diet: A diet low in important nutrients can compromise the body’s immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection.

State College Periodontal Therapy Appointments

We offer gentle but comprehensive periodontal therapy that may include:

• Scaling: Scaling removes tartar and bacteria from your tooth surfaces and beneath your gums.
• Root planing: Root planing smoothes your tooth root surfaces, discouraging future buildup of tartar and bacteria.
• Antibiotics: We may also recommend using topical or oral antibiotics to help control a bacterial infection.

In any case, we will work to ensure that your gums are rehabilitated and protected from further inflammation. Schedule the periodontal therapy appointment you need to stay healthy with Dr. Marks or Dr. Martin today.  Donald Marks Family Dentistry is the trusted family dentistry of: State College, PA, Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, Hollidaysburg, and the neighboring areas.