Understanding Gum Health: The Foundation of Your Smile
Are you experiencing bleeding gums when brushing, persistent bad breath, or noticing your teeth feeling loose? These symptoms might indicate periodontal disease, a common but serious dental condition affecting millions of Americans. At David Eskow, DDS in Olney, we specialize in advanced periodontal treatments to restore your gum health and protect your smile.
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, affects nearly half of Americans aged 30 or older according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This progressive condition begins silently but can lead to significant oral health problems if left untreated. Our dedicated team provides comprehensive periodontal services to detect, treat, and prevent gum disease at every stage.
Your gums serve as the foundation for your teeth, providing crucial support and protection. When gum health deteriorates, it puts your entire smile at risk. Our Olney dental practice offers specialized periodontal treatments designed to address the root causes of gum disease and restore healthy tissue, ensuring your smile remains strong and beautiful for years to come.
What Is Periodontal Disease? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. It typically begins as gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing. Without proper treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where the infection damages the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth.
The early warning signs of periodontal disease include persistent bad breath, tender or bleeding gums, painful chewing, sensitive teeth, and receding gums that make your teeth appear longer. As the condition advances, you may notice loose teeth or changes in how your teeth fit together when biting. Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial for successful treatment and preventing permanent damage.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an evaluation at our Olney dental office immediately. Early intervention is key to preventing the progression of periodontal disease and avoiding serious complications like tooth loss. Our experienced team at David Eskow, DDS provides thorough examinations to accurately diagnose periodontal conditions and develop personalized treatment plans.
How We Diagnose Periodontal Disease in Olney
Our comprehensive diagnostic approach begins with a detailed review of your medical and dental history. Dr. Eskow and our team will discuss factors that might contribute to periodontal disease, including smoking habits, medications you’re taking, and family history of gum problems. This personalized assessment helps us understand your unique risk factors.
During your examination, we use specialized instruments to measure the depth of the pockets between your gums and teeth. Healthy gums fit snugly around teeth with pocket depths of 1-3 millimeters, while deeper pockets indicate periodontal disease. We also check for gum recession, tooth mobility, bleeding, inflammation, and other signs of infection. Advanced digital X-rays may be recommended to evaluate bone loss around your teeth, providing crucial information about disease progression.
Our Olney dental team utilizes the latest diagnostic technology to ensure accurate assessment of your periodontal health. This thorough approach allows us to detect gum disease in its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective and least invasive. Based on our findings, we’ll create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and health goals.
Top Causes of Periodontal Disease You Should Know
Poor Oral Hygiene Habits
Inadequate brushing and flossing allows bacteria-laden plaque to accumulate along the gumline. When not removed properly, this plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed by professional cleaning. The bacteria in plaque and tartar produce toxins that irritate gum tissue, triggering inflammation and infection. This is why consistent daily oral hygiene practices are essential for preventing periodontal disease.
Regular brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing, and using antimicrobial mouthwash can significantly reduce your risk of developing gum disease. However, even with diligent home care, professional cleanings every six months at our Olney dental office are necessary to remove tartar buildup in hard-to-reach areas.
Lifestyle and Health Factors
Tobacco use significantly increases your risk of periodontal disease. Smoking and chewing tobacco impair blood flow to the gums, reducing their ability to heal and fight infection. Studies show that smokers are five times more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers and respond less favorably to treatment.
Other risk factors include:
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, including gum disease
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menopause, and monthly hormonal fluctuations can increase gum sensitivity
- Stress: Weakens your immune system, making it harder to fight off gum infections
- Medications: Some drugs reduce saliva flow, which helps protect against bacteria
- Genetic predisposition: Family history can make you more vulnerable to gum disease
Advanced Periodontal Treatments Available in Olney, MD
Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
For early to moderate periodontal disease, we offer effective non-surgical treatments at our Olney dental practice. Scaling and root planing, often called a “deep cleaning,” removes tartar and bacteria from below the gumline and smooths tooth root surfaces to promote healing and prevent bacteria reattachment. This thorough cleaning helps gum tissue reattach to teeth and shrink periodontal pockets.
Following scaling and root planing, we may recommend localized antibiotic therapy. This involves placing antimicrobial medication directly into periodontal pockets to target bacteria and support healing. Our team may also suggest special oral rinses and improved home care techniques to maintain results between appointments.
Regular maintenance therapy is essential after initial treatment. We’ll recommend a personalized schedule for periodontal maintenance visits, typically every 3-4 months. These appointments include thorough cleanings above and below the gumline, assessment of pocket depths, and refinement of your home care routine as needed.
Surgical Periodontal Procedures
For advanced periodontal disease, surgical intervention may be necessary to restore health to your gums and supporting structures. Flap surgery allows us to clean deep periodontal pockets by temporarily folding back gum tissue to access tooth roots and bone. After thorough cleaning, the tissue is secured in place to fit more snugly around your teeth, reducing pocket depth and limiting areas where bacteria can hide.
Bone and tissue grafts may be recommended if you’ve experienced significant bone or gum loss. These procedures involve placing natural or synthetic bone material in areas of bone loss to stimulate new bone growth. Similarly, soft tissue grafts use donor tissue (often from your palate) to reinforce thin gums or cover exposed roots, protecting against further recession and reducing sensitivity.
Guided tissue regeneration encourages the regrowth of bone destroyed by bacteria. In this procedure, a small piece of mesh-like material is inserted between the bone and gum tissue, creating space for bone to regrow while preventing unwanted tissue from entering the healing area. This advanced technique can help reverse some of the damage caused by periodontal disease.
Periodontal Maintenance: Protecting Your Investment
After completing active periodontal treatment, ongoing maintenance is crucial for long-term success. Periodontal maintenance visits are more comprehensive than standard dental cleanings and are specifically designed for patients with a history of gum disease. These appointments include:
- Removal of bacterial plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
- Evaluation of pocket depths and gum attachment levels
- Assessment of tooth mobility and bite alignment
- Examination for signs of recurrent disease
- Refinement of home care techniques
Most periodontal patients require maintenance visits every 3-4 months, as research shows bacterial regrowth occurs within 90 days after professional cleaning. This schedule helps prevent disease recurrence and progression. Our Olney dental team will customize your maintenance plan based on your individual risk factors and response to treatment.
Regular maintenance visits are an investment in your oral health that pays dividends by preventing costly retreatment and tooth loss. During these appointments, we’ll also screen for other oral health issues, including cavities, oral cancer, and problems with existing dental work, ensuring comprehensive care for your smile.
Why Choose David Eskow, DDS for Periodontal Care in Olney
Dr. David Eskow and our Olney dental team bring exceptional expertise to periodontal treatment. Recognized as a top dentist by Washingtonian Magazine 2025, Dr. Eskow combines advanced technical skills with a gentle, compassionate approach. Our practice stays current with the latest periodontal treatment techniques and technologies to provide you with the most effective care possible.
We believe in personalized periodontal care that addresses your unique needs and concerns. During your consultation, we’ll take time to understand your oral health goals, explain our findings in clear terms, and work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and budget. Our team provides detailed instructions for at-home care and remains available to answer questions throughout your treatment journey.
Our comfortable, modern Olney dental office creates a relaxing environment for periodontal care. We understand that many patients feel anxious about dental treatment, especially when dealing with gum disease. That’s why we offer sedation options for those who need additional comfort during procedures. From the moment you arrive, our staff treats you like family, ensuring you feel welcomed and well cared for.
| Treatment | Best For | Expected Results |
| Scaling & Root Planing | Early to moderate periodontal disease | Reduced inflammation, pocket depth reduction, reattachment of gums |
| Antibiotic Therapy | Persistent bacterial infection | Elimination of bacteria, faster healing |
| Periodontal Maintenance | Preventing disease recurrence | Long-term gum health, prevention of bone loss |
| Flap Surgery | Advanced disease with deep pockets | Significant pocket reduction, improved cleaning access |
| Bone/Tissue Grafts | Areas with existing bone or tissue loss | Regeneration of lost structures, increased stability |
Preventing Periodontal Disease: Tips for Healthy Gums
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is your first line of defense against periodontal disease. Brush thoroughly twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Clean between teeth daily with floss, interdental brushes, or water flossers to remove plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Consider adding an antimicrobial mouthwash to your routine for additional protection.
Making healthy lifestyle choices significantly impacts your periodontal health:
- Quit tobacco use in all forms
- Maintain balanced nutrition rich in vitamins and minerals
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques
- Control blood sugar if you have diabetes
- Stay hydrated to support saliva production
Most importantly, schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings at our Olney dental office. Even with perfect home care, professional intervention is necessary to remove hardened tartar and catch early signs of periodontal disease. For those with higher risk factors, we may recommend more frequent preventive visits to protect your gum health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Disease
How is periodontal disease different from gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, affecting only the soft tissue and characterized by inflammation, redness, and bleeding. At this stage, the condition is reversible with proper treatment. Periodontal disease occurs when gingivitis progresses to affect the supporting structures of the teeth, including bone. This advanced stage causes irreversible damage, though we can stop its progression with appropriate treatment at our Olney dental office.
Will I lose my teeth if I have periodontal disease?
Not necessarily. When caught and treated early, periodontal disease can be managed effectively, preventing tooth loss. However, advanced untreated periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. At David Eskow, DDS, we offer treatments for all stages of periodontal disease to help you maintain your natural teeth for as long as possible.
Is periodontal treatment painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during periodontal procedures. We use effective local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during treatment. For more extensive procedures or anxious patients, we offer sedation options. Following treatment, you may experience some sensitivity or soreness, which typically resolves within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long does periodontal treatment take?
The duration of periodontal treatment varies depending on the severity of your condition. Initial non-surgical therapy typically requires 1-2 appointments, while surgical interventions may involve multiple visits over several months. Following active treatment, ongoing maintenance visits every 3-4 months are essential for long-term success. During your consultation at our Olney dental office, we’ll provide a detailed timeline for your specific treatment plan.
Does insurance cover periodontal treatment?
Most dental insurance plans provide some coverage for periodontal treatment, particularly diagnostic services and non-surgical therapy. Coverage for surgical procedures varies by plan. Our knowledgeable staff at David Eskow, DDS will help you understand your benefits and maximize your insurance coverage. For patients without insurance or those needing treatments beyond what insurance covers, we offer flexible payment options to make care accessible.
Take Action for Healthier Gums Today
Don’t wait until periodontal disease causes irreversible damage to your smile. Our experienced team at David Eskow, DDS is ready to help you achieve and maintain optimal gum health with personalized periodontal care in a comfortable, supportive environment.
📍 Visit Us: 18119 Cashell Road, Olney, MD 20832
Call: 301.774.2000
Or Request an Appointment Online Today
Take the first step toward healthier gums and a stronger smile by scheduling your periodontal evaluation at our Olney dental office. Early intervention is key to successful treatment and preventing serious complications of periodontal disease.