Dr. Lydia Gardner
Our Periodontics expert, Dr. Lydia Gardner is available for appointments in our office in the Financial District (FiDi).
After graduating from Harvard University, Dr. Gardner went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Gardner then completed her 3-year specialty residency in Periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. She simultaneously earned a Master of Science degree in Oral Biology for independent research examining the relationship between obesity and periodontal disease. She also traveled to South Africa and Morocco during her residency to participate in humanitarian missions providing care to communities without access.
Gum Disease and Treatment
Dentistry goes beyond just the teeth. Periodontics is the specialization in the health of the gums. Our goal in periodontics is to correctly prevent, diagnose, and treat gum issues and disease. If you are having pain, swelling, bleeding, receding, or other issues with your gums (even cosmetic ones), our Lumia Dental providers can assess and attend to your condition.
Gum problems can be prevented if caught early enough through correct diagnosis and patient education. If not, gum disease can extend to cause jawbone problems that require more maintenance and treatment. Gum disease can be a silent disease, just as heart disease is sometimes not detectable by the patient until a heart attack ensues. It’s crucial for a dental professional to periodically examine the periodontia (or the gums and jawbone surrounding the teeth) before problems occur!
Between 2009 and 2010, an estimated 47.2% of adults over age 30 suffered from untreated periodontal disease, or advanced gum disease.
Look Out For
Some signs you need to see a periodontist include:
- Inflamed (red) gums that are swollen
- Your gums are pulling away from your teeth
- Pus coming from the gums.
- Gums bleed easily when brushed
- Teeth fit together differently or are loose
- Consistent bad breath
Higher Risk Patients
People who at higher risk for gums disease include:
- Those who do not clean their teeth well
- Avoiding regular dental cleaning
- Smokers
- Tobacco chewers
- Those who have gum disease in their family
- Diabetics, AIDS, leukemia, and other immune disease sufferers
- Those with a bad diet: high sugar, low vitamins