Understanding Periodontal Disease
- Posted on: Jan 11 2019
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Important Prevention & Treatment Information
Most people call periodontal disease gum disease because it’s a lot easier to say. But, dealing with this oral health condition is not easy, no matter which name you prefer. Periodontal disease occurs when the gums become infected and damage the soft tissue and the bone surrounding the tooth. Left untreated, the alveolar bone is lost over time and tooth loss is nearly inevitable. But, it’s not just oral health that suffers when a person has gum disease. People with gum disease are at an increased risk for heart attack and stroke and a plethora of additional health concerns. Preventing periodontal disease is important if you love your smile and wish to protect it for many years to come.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Practicing good oral hygiene is the key to gum disease prevention. Brush and floss the teeth two times each day. Use a fluoridated toothpaste and be sure that a quality toothbrush is chosen. Sometimes it protects you to invest in higher-quality products, as such in the case of a toothbrush. Never scrub the teeth when brushing, but instead use gentle, circular motions that aren’t abrasive to the enamel on the teeth. Brush for two minutes each time. It is also beneficial to use a mouthwash to further remove bacteria from the teeth and mouth and to freshen the breath.
If you’re a smoker, it is time to kick the habit. You’ll breath better, have more energy, and overall feel like a brand new person. You’ll also improve your health since there is a reduced risk of developing conditions such as asthma, COPD, and other upper respiratory conditions. Plus, you also reduce the risk of developing periodontal disease. smoke, stop now. Smokers have a 2x greater chance of developing gum disease than nonsmokers.
It is important to visit the dentist if you suspect periodontal disease. Do not wait until your annual visit because this only allows the condition to worsen. The dentist can perform an examination of the mouth and a series of additional tests to determine if gum disease if affecting your life. He can then provide recommendations for treatment in addition to what’s listed above.
Treating Periodontal Disease
Here at Clock Tower Dental of Franklin Square, we have numerous periodontal disease treatment options. Most of the treatment options are used when other treatment options fail to provide results. One of the most common treatments for periodontal disease is scaling and debridement. This is a service that deep cleans the bacteria from the gum line, an area that normal brushing cannot get. We will use a hand tool to breakup calculus and plaque on the tooth. Root Planning smooths rough areas on the teeth’s roots. Several medications also help individuals affected by periodontal disease, including oral antibiotics, antimicrobial mouth rinses, antiseptic gels and chips, and others. After treatment, it is important to maintain regular dental visits to keep the teeth healthy. Twice per year dental cleaning is recommended.
Laser therapy or surgery, including bone grafting and flap surgery, may be needed to correct periodontal disease when other treatments are not effective. The best option for your needs varies and the dentist will better determine the right choice after an examination, X-Rays, and a general checkup.
Signs of Periodontal Disease
Many signs usually alert a person to the presence of periodontal disease. It is important to pay attention to these signs rather than ignore them. The issues aren’t going to resolve themselves, but instead will get worse over time, further damaging the teeth and mouth, as well as your teeth’s health and that smile that you love. Some of the most common signs of periodontal disease include:
- Bleeding when brushing the teeth
- Halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath
- Swollen, inflamed gums
- Pus between the teeth & gums
- Recurrent swelling of the gums
- Pain when touching the gums
- Receding gums, a condition that causes the teeth to look longer
- Space between the teeth
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Loose teeth/tooth breakage
If you notice any of the signs or symptoms of peritoneal disease listed here, call your Long Island specialists in dental care at 516-537-9631 to schedule an appointment with Clock Tower Dental. We’ll examine your mouth, take X-Rays and complete other necessary steps to stop the progression of periodontal and treat the problem. The longer you wait to schedule the appointment, the worse the problem will become and the end result may be tooth loss. You certainly don’t want to lose your teeth!
Posted in: Latest News, Periodontics
