Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, isn’t just one of the most common oral health problems; it’s one of the most common health problems, period. According to some estimates, more than half the U.S. adult population has some form. It’s caused by an accumulation of bacterial plaque around the teeth and gums. The most common symptoms include gums that bleed when you brush, red or inflamed gum tissue, and frequent bad breath.

A more advanced symptom is tissue loss around the teeth, resulting in pockets. When pockets develop between the teeth and gums, harmful bacteria can find a way to the bloodstream. That’s why patients with gum disease are also vulnerable to other kinds of health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and preterm birth or low-birth-weight babies in pregnant women.

At our office, we’ll gladly work with you on a personalized treatment plan. With this plan, our goal is to help you treat or manage your condition, so you can enjoy good oral health and well-being again. Minor cases of periodontal disease, known as gingivitis, can often be cleared up with more frequent cleanings and by spending a little more time brushing and flossing every day. But with periodontitis, a more developed form, advanced care is needed to restore the patient’s health. Through treatment with our soft tissue laser, we can provide this advanced help comfortably, without resorting to a traditional surgical procedure.

Call our Boerne office today with your questions about gum disease or periodontal.