Coatney Professional Center
2430 Constitution Ave
Olean, NY 14760
Phone: 716-373-3317

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a condition linked with serious health conditions. Here at the Coatney Professional Center, our dental teamworks hard to stay up-t0-date on the latest research regarding this condition. It is our goal  to evaluate and educate our patients regarding this condition, thereby helping to improve your overall health.

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What Is Gum Disease?

 Gum disease , also known clinically as "periodontal disease", is a leading cause of tooth loss. A  sticky, colorless bacterial film called "plaque" builds up around the gum margins, and leads to this condition. 

At the Coatney Professional Center, our dental team will evaluate your oral health  during you initial visit, as well as your regular cleanings, to determine if you have or are at risk for developing gum disease. As this condition is often associated with other "systemic" or whole body health conditions, we take this evaluation seriously. 

Our dental team also will take the time to educate you on the risks involved with this condition, how this condition can best be managed, as well as answer any questions you may have.

Stages of Periodontal Disease

The early stage of periodontal disease is called "gingivitis", which means inflammation of the gums.

In this stage of the disease process:

  • the gums become red and inflamed
  • the gums may bleed with brushing and flossing
  • bones are not affected at this stage
  • with treatment this condition is reversible
  • regular brushing and flossing to remove the bacterial film on your teeth help to prevent this condition

If gingivitis is left untreated, and the plaque is not removed, this can lead to "periodontitis", a more advanced stage.

In periodontitis:

  • the plaque now spread to the tooth root, which is well below the normal gumline
  • inflammation now becomes infection
  • this infection can damage fiber that hold teeth in place, as well as the supporting bone
  • "pockets" form in the gums- these are areas where inflammation and infection reside
  • The infection may also lead to bad breath
  • This condition requires immediate treatment to prevent further damage or tooth loss


What Are Some Of The Risk Factors?

Some people seem to be more prone to developing gum disease, and although we may not know all the reasons, here are some factors that may put you at a higher risk for developing this condition:

  • Family History- heredity may play into your risk factors in some instances
  • tobacco use
  • crooked or crowded teeth
  • Certain medications
  • High stress
  • Poor diet

Watch our video for a quick overview :

Periodontal Disease and Your General Health

  • Studies have shown that there is a higher incidence of periodontal disease in diabetics.
  • tobacco use, as well as stress also help increase the incidence of this disease process
  • Several studies have shown that periodontal disease is associated with heart disease, as well as strokes. It is believed this is related to the inflammation and infection that occurs in periodontal disease.

To keep your smile bright, and free of periodontal disease, brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings. 

Call (716) 373-3317 for your appointment today