Periodontics
Regular cleanings are crucial for gum health. If you don't have consistent professional cleanings, plaque and tartar can accumulate, resulting in gum inflammation and bone loss. This can eventually lead to tooth loss. It's worth noting that more than half of Americans have gum disease, but fortunately, there are various treatment options to address this condition.
Symptoms
- Bleeding gums can indicate a dental infection.
- Bad breath can be caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth.
- Red or swollen gums may be a sign of gum inflammation.
- Gum recession can cause teeth to appear longer and expose the roots.
- Tooth sensitivity can occur when the roots are exposed, leading to increased sensitivity to temperature and sweets.
- A periodontal abscess can occur when bacteria gets trapped in the gum pocket, causing swelling and discomfort.
- Advanced bone loss can result in loose teeth.
Treatment
Firstly, we will go over proper oral hygiene techniques and suggest ways to enhance your current home care routine. Then, we will use a combination of hand instruments and an ultrasonic device to remove the bacteria, plaque, and tartar that have accumulated on the roots of your teeth. This procedure, known as scaling and root planning (SRP), is performed. In some cases, we may also apply antimicrobial products or antibiotics to the affected areas to aid in the healing of deep pockets and prevent the necessity for periodontal surgery.
Prevention
The #1 way to reduce your risk of periodontal disease is to brush and floss daily. You should brush for a full 2 minutes and a power toothbrush is recommended. It is also vital to have regular checkups and cleanings every 4-6 months because your dentist/hygienist has instruments that reach deeper and clean your teeth more effectively than you can at home. In addition to meticulous home care, you can also decrease your chances of developing gum disease by eating a balanced diet, reducing stress in your life, and refraining from smoking/tobacco usage.
Systemic Links
Numerous research articles have established a correlation between periodontal disease and various serious health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, prosthetic joint complications, dementia, and pregnancy complications. This connection between oral health and the rest of the body can be attributed to two primary factors. Firstly, periodontal disease can lead to increased inflammation throughout the body. Secondly, the bacteria commonly found in periodontal pockets have also been detected in the plaques of blood vessels in individuals with cardiovascular disease. As ongoing studies delve into the impact of periodontal disease on overall health, it is becoming increasingly crucial to prioritize the maintenance of good oral health for overall well-being.