Professional Gum Disease Care Services serving Appelton & the Fox Cities area

Gum Disease & Your Health - Appleton, WI Dentist

When you think of dental health, you may automatically think of the health of the teeth, but dentists are also very concerned about the condition of your gums. This may be the most overlooked area, and people often do not realize they have bad breath from the bacteria inhabiting their gums, and the damage it is doing.

When gums are neglected, there’s a risk that serious conditions like periodontal disease can develop. If you’re experiencing gum swelling, pain, or bleeding, you should seek treatment from our professional team here at Anne E. Siegrist DDS, SC.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, also called periodontitis, is an advanced gum disease that poses a threat to a patient’s overall dental and oral health. The gums are compromised by bacteria that infect the patient’s bone tissue and eventually separates the gums from the teeth. If this process isn’t caught and treated in its early stages, there may be a risk of tooth loss and infections that could affect the patient’s overall health.

It’s important to see your Appleton, WI dentist Dr. Siegrist every six months for a regular checkup so that we can catch gum disease early or even help prevent it from happening in the first place. If you already have signs of gum disease, Dr. Siegrist can diagnose you and recommend the appropriate treatment for your individual case.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

While it is possible to have periodontal disease and not know it, some symptoms can include:

• Gums that bleed easily
• Red, swollen, tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
• Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• Any change in the fit of partial dentures

Risk Factors For Periodontal Disease

Certain factors can increase a patient's risk of developing periodontal disease, including:

• Vaping, smoking, or using chewing tobacco
• Poor oral hygiene
• Lack of professional dental cleanings
• Being exposed to the bacterial component which causes gum disease
• Crooked teeth
• Old fillings
• Bridges that no longer fit properly
• Diabetes
• Certain types of medication such as steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives



Gum Disease Treatment Appleton, WI

At Anne E. Siegrist DDS, SC, we are here to help improve your oral hygiene and welcome the chance to improve your gum situation. Gum disease is quite common, and we want to do the best treatment and long-term planning to improve your condition. We have a lot of educational material available on gum disease and spend a lot of time educating our patients on this condition and their treatment options. Dr. Siegrist will listen to all your concerns and patiently answer any questions you have regarding your case.