Caring for your oral health includes regular teeth and gum care. Neglecting your gums can eventually lead to periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, which is a culprit for the deterioration of your overall oral health. Periodontal disease affects 75 percent of adults over 35 years of age and is responsible for approximately 70 percent of all adult tooth loss. Since symptoms of periodontal disease are mild, some people never realize their mouth is under bacterial attack.
Highly recognized as a greatly progressive disorder, periodontal disease is triggered by preventable factors, like plaque buildup, tobacco use, certain medications, and stress, as well as unpreventable causes, like systematic disease and fluctuating hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. Research proves up to 30 percent of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease.
Periodontal disease begins when the bacteria in the sticky film which forms on the tooth surface, what we call plaque, causes gum inflammation. If the irritation is ignored, plaque will release toxins to break down the natural fibers that hold your gums to your teeth, permitting even more bacteria and toxins to invade. Plaque deposits quickly harden into calculus or tartar, which is a rough, porous substance that cannot be removed by brushing. Over time, this progression can lead to severe inflammation, bone loss, gum recession, and tooth loss.
Symptoms and signs include:
Red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gumsIf you have noticed any of the above signs or symptoms, please call our Bryn Mawr dental office immediately to schedule a consultation and assessment. Together, we can win the battle against periodontal disease and maintain your fresh and healthy smile.

"Dr. Stephen Gershberg is a skilled and caring dentist adept at all phases of modern practice. I am especially impressed with his kind and thoughtful approach to his patient's needs. Dr Gershberg provides personalized care and his attention to detail and esthetics is superb. His staff is always pleasant, and the office atmosphere is warm and relaxed. I highly recommend Dr. Gershberg's practice."
Robert Summers, DMD
Periodontics and Implantology, Narberth, PA
Harvey Wank DMD
Chairman, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry
Bryn Mawr Hospital
Assistant Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Medical School
"Having worked with you for many years, I would like to compliment you on the remarkable clinical and esthetic results you are able to achieve with your patients. When it comes to perfection, there is certainly no compromise. Words do not express the satisfaction of your patients with regards the crowns, bridges, porcelain veneers and implant restorations you have placed. The exquisite artistry displayed behind each individual smile is a direct tribute to the excellent work you perform. Keep up the good work."
Geoffrey Rabie DMD, BDS
Diplomat American Board of Endodontics
"I have been very fortunate to work with Dr. Gershberg for some fifteen years now. His persistent pursuit of perfection and beautiful aesthetic work speaks for itself. P.S. I was talking with my sister Val the other day about the work you did for her boyfriend Dave, and she just could not say enough about how pleased they were with his teeth as well as how easy it was to work with you as a professional in getting exactly what he wanted.
Hope all is well! "
Tom Seibert, DMD
Periodontics and Implantology, Bryn Mawr. PA
"It has been a great pleasure to work with you over the last five years. I am always greatly impressed with the high quality of your work and with your unwavering commitment to your patients. My expectations for the level of care for my patients are always exceeded by your high standard of excellence. I look forward to collaborating with you long into the future!"
John Whytosek, DMD
Periodontics and Implantology
Broomall, PA
Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontics
Interested in hearing about what our patients and doctors have to say? Check out our testimonials page OR click here to read more and schedule an appointment with us today OR call and speak with us directly at 610-527-6700
