Protect Your Smile With Our Metairie Dentist

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common but serious oral health condition that affects the gums and the bone supporting your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and even impact your overall health, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions. At Simone Dental, our Metairie dentist is committed to helping patients prevent, detect, and treat gum disease to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums. If not properly removed with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, plaque can harden into tartar, leading to inflammation and infection in the gums.

There are two main stages of gum disease:

• Gingivitis – The earliest stage, which causes redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. At this stage, gum disease is reversible with proper dental care.
• Periodontitis – If gingivitis is left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis, which causes gum recession, bone loss, and, eventually, tooth loss.

Signs of Gum Disease

Gum disease often develops silently, meaning you may not notice symptoms until it has progressed. Some common warning signs include:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums, making teeth appear longer
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Pus between the teeth and gums

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment from our Metairie dentist as soon as possible.

How Our Metairie Dentist Can Help

At Simone Dental, we offer a range of periodontal treatments to stop gum disease in its tracks and restore gum health. Some of the treatments we provide include:

• Deep Cleanings (Scaling and Root Planing) – This procedure removes plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots to prevent bacteria from accumulating.
• Antibacterial Treatments – We may recommend antimicrobial rinses or localized antibiotic therapy to reduce infection and inflammation.
• Gum Maintenance Program – For patients with a history of gum disease, we offer frequent professional cleanings and monitoring to prevent recurrence.

Preventing Gum Disease

The best way to protect your gums is through preventive care. You can lower your risk of gum disease by:

• Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing daily to remove plaque from between the teeth and along the gumline
• Visiting our Metairie dentist for regular cleanings and checkups
• Eating a balanced diet and avoiding excessive sugar
• Not smoking or using tobacco products, which can increase gum disease risk

Take Control of Your Gum Health Today

Gum disease is preventable and treatable, but early intervention is key. If you notice any signs of gum disease or if it’s time for your routine dental visit, schedule an appointment with Simone Dental today. Our Metairie dentist is here to help you achieve and maintain a lifetime of healthy gums and a confident smile!