Punta Gorda Family Dentistry

Richard E Klein DMD

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(941) 639-4176

Richard E Klein DMD PA

350 Mary St STE E
Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Punta Gorda Family Dentistry > Services > Periodontal Treatment

Healthy gums are the foundation of a happy smile!

Gum Disease Impacts Your Overall Well-Being

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Periodontal Treatment

Just like a house relies on its foundation for support, so do your teeth, and your gums are that foundation. If your gums are unhealthy or compromised, your teeth and oral health are in jeopardy. Did you know that periodontal (gum) disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults?

The good news is that gum disease is highly preventable, and Punta Gorda Family Dentistry offers effective treatment for gum disease that can help you get your oral health back on track.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease is essentially an infection of the gums and bone that support your teeth when plaque buildup turns to hard tartar and descends below the gumline. Some other contributing factors are:

Poor Oral Hygiene

Lack of routine effective brushing and flossing causes plaque and tartar buildup that causes gum disease.

Tobacco Use

Smoking cigarettes and tobacco use weaken your immune system and contribute to gum disease.

Medications

Certain medications make you more susceptible to developing gum disease, such as steroids and chemotherapy.

His expertise, as well as the staff, are second to none.

Dr. Klein is a professional in his field, and has a wonderful demeanor with his patients. His expertise, as well as the staff, are second to none. Going to the dentist has never been easier for me! I highly recommend trusting your dental care to Dr. Klein & his staff!
-Cynthia

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The Oral Systemic Connection: Why Gum Health Matters

Periodontal health is essential because it impacts more than just your dental health. It also affects your overall health and well-being.

Gum disease is associated with several non-dental health concerns like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, dementia, and high blood pressure. It’s also been linked with complications during pregnancy, including low birth weight in babies. When you guard your oral health against gum disease, it’s also protecting your overall health.

Routine visits with your Punta Gorda dentist every six months for preventive teeth cleanings and checkups are your best defense against gum disease. Dr. Klein can spot the early signs of gum disease so you can begin managing it as soon as possible when treatment is easier and more effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is gingivitis?

We believe it's essential to educate our patients about gingivitis, a common and mild form of gum disease. Here's what you need to know.

Understanding Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, typically caused by plaque buildup and bacteria along the gumline. It's the first stage of periodontal disease and, if caught early, is often reversible with proper care.

Common signs of gingivitis include:

Red, swollen, or puffy gums
Gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing
Bad breath or a persistent bad taste in the mouth
Receding gums

While gingivitis is generally mild, it's essential not to ignore it. If left untreated, it can progress to more severe forms of gum disease, potentially leading to tooth loss and other health complications.

The good news is that gingivitis is preventable and treatable. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are your best defense. Dr. Klein and our team can provide personalized advice on improving your oral hygiene routine and may recommend additional treatments if necessary.

If you're noticing any signs of gingivitis, don't wait. Early intervention is the key to maintaining your oral health.

Schedule an appointment at (941) 639-4176 with your Punta Gorda dentist for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan. Remember, healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile!

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease is difficult to diagnose on your own since it’s generally slow-moving and doesn’t have a lot of pain associated with it at first.

Gingivitis

Early gum disease is known as gingivitis, and some of the symptoms you may notice during this stage are:

Red, puffy, swollen, and irritated gums
Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
Chronic bad breath you can eliminate with brushing or mouthwash

When we detect gingivitis early on, patients may be able to successfully manage and sometimes even reverse their condition. Improvements to home care and a thorough professional teeth cleaning can often reverse gingivitis.

Periodontitis

Advanced gum disease is known as periodontitis. There’s no cure at this stage, but we can help you manage your condition with a deep cleaning that removes plaque from below the gumline and additional follow-up cleanings throughout the year.

Some signs you suffer from periodontitis are gum recession, tooth mobility, and pain during chewing.

Our team is well-equipped to help you with gum disease treatment in Punta Gorda, FL. Contact us at (941) 639-4176.

Meet Our Dentist:

Dr. Richard Klein

Dr. Klein comes from a long line of dental professionals, being one of seven dentists in his family. This remarkable legacy began with his great-grandfather, Dr. Max Koppelman, in 1920. After graduating from Nova Southeastern University's College of Dental Medicine, Dr. Klein launched his career right here in Charlotte County.

Committed to excellence, he furthered his education through a General Practice Residency at UNC-Chapel Hill. Dr. Klein's diverse experience includes working as a hospital dentist in Roanoke, Virginia, specializing in treating medically compromised and special needs individuals. His passion for serving ...