Gum Disease Q & A

Sensitive teeth, bad breath, and bleeding gums aren’t just signs of gum disease; they’re warnings of a serious problem with your dental health. At Burman Dental, L.L.C., in Jupiter, Florida, Steven A. Burman, DMD, has extensive experience treating and preventing gum disease with exceptional and personalized dental care. Dr. Burman has advanced training in diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions of the gums and tissues of the mouth. Enhance and protect your oral health and determine your risk of gingivitis or severe periodontal disease by calling Burman Dental, L.L.C. to schedule your visit today.


What is gum disease?

Gum disease is an umbrella term for infections of the structures surrounding your teeth, including your periodontal ligament, gums, and alveolar bone. Gum disease is also called periodontal disease.

The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis — an infection that affects your gums. All of the tissues can be involved with more severe forms of gum disease. Unhealthy gums can have detrimental results for your oral health and can be associated with coronary artery disease, stroke, and diabetes.

What are the signs of gum disease?

Gum disease typically presents telling symptoms. If you experience any of the following, you may have gum disease.

  • Receding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Sensitive gums and teeth
  • Bleeding gums
  • Swollen gums

Visit Burman Dental, L.L.C., for an evaluation and treatment at the first sign of any of the symptoms above. Gum disease generally does not involve any pain until later stages, so you might not be aware you have it.

Am I at risk of getting gum disease?

Anyone is at risk of gum disease. Several factors can increase your risk of getting gum disease, such as:

  • Genetics
  • Obesity
  • Old age
  • Drug abuse
  • Tobacco use
  • Hormone changes
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • A poor diet

You might benefit from more frequent dental cleanings and checkups if any of these risk factors apply to you.

How is gum disease treated?

Dr. Burman determines the best course of treatment for you depending on the severity of your condition and your individual needs. Scaling and root planing are often a good choice to help with the treatment and prevention of gum disease. Scaling and root planing allows for deeper dental cleaning below your gum line. Scaling removes dental tartar from the surface of your teeth and root planing helps smooth the root surfaces and remove the infected tooth structure.

For advanced gum disease, treatment may involve: 

  • Flap surgery (surgical pocket reduction)
  • Bone grafts
  • Tissue grafts
  • Tooth extraction

Before resorting to surgery, Dr. Burman always takes time to explore other less invasive options. He helps you to form healthy dental habits. 

The team at Burman Dental in Jupiter has been trained in the placement of Arestin,®antibiotic therapy — a unique time-released antibiotic product that, in conjunction with root planing and scaling, treats an infection. Arestin® is a powder placed in the pocket between your tooth and gum where the infection is.

Learn more about gum disease and the important steps you can take to protect and improve your dental health. Call Burman Dental, L.L.C. today.

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