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Not everyone has to lose teeth as they age. Maintaining good oral hygiene and routine dental care increases your chances of keeping your natural teeth. Unfortunately, some people develop a bacterial infection called periodontal disease, which can be managed with proper treatment.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this condition affects approximately 19% of the world’s population. If you are one of the millions needing periodontal treatment, contact Dr. John Hopkins at Centre for Smile Designs. Not only does our office treat gum disease, but we provide services to maintain the health of your entire family.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal or gum disease is an infection around the gum and supporting tissues. It develops due to poor hygiene habits that leave plaque on the teeth and gums. This sticky substance contains saliva, food particles, and bacteria. When plaque lingers on your teeth too long, it hardens and becomes calculus, causing gum inflammation. Eventually, it progresses to periodontal disease.
When you delay periodontal treatment, the number of bacteria continues to grow and can travel through your body via your bloodstream, affecting other systems and organs. Patients with advanced periodontal disease have a higher risk of developing heart disease.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
It’s easy to understand that your mouth is filled with bacteria. An oral hygiene routine, like brushing twice and flossing once daily, eliminates toxins from your mouth. Routine dental visits at Centre for Smile Designs allow your oral health to be evaluated, and we will promptly schedule periodontal treatment if necessary.
Regularly skipping brushing or flossing increases bacteria growth, contributing to periodontal disease. Poor oral hygiene is a leading cause of gum disease, but other factors contribute. Those factors are:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Tobacco use
- Medications
- Poor nutrition
- Family history of periodontal disease
- Constant clenching and grinding of your teeth
- Health conditions like diabetes, asthma, kidney or heart problems
Hormonal changes due to puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy also contribute to the development of periodontal disease.
Signs You Need Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal disease has a reputation for being silent. It might not cause you pain until it reaches the advanced stages. But there are noticeable signs and symptoms that you have this oral infection. Those signs are:
- Red, swollen, itchy, or sore gums
- Gum recession
- Sensitive teeth
- Bleeding when you brush your teeth
- Chronic bad breath
- Pain when chewing
- Loose teeth
- Pus when you press down on the gums
If any of these signs sound familiar, you are affected by this disease and require periodontal treatment.
Common Periodontal Treatment Options
Periodontal treatment at Centre for Smile Designs includes non-surgical techniques to control and manage your condition. Non-surgical treatments do not involve making incisions into the gums or removing your tissue.
One of the most critical aspects of periodontal treatment is stopping the spread of the disease. Without early intervention, the chances of losing your teeth increase. But the condition can be stopped from spreading further and reversed. Dr. Hopkins can restore your gums without needing surgical intervention.
There are several effective non-surgical periodontal treatments. Most procedures are pain-free and simple enough to complete in one visit. However, there is always a risk of the disease recurring if you do not improve your oral hygiene habits.
The best treatment for you depends on how advanced your disease is and other factors.
Scaling and Root Planing
This periodontal treatment is a non-surgical approach to managing the disease. It is commonly called a deep cleaning and involves removing plaque and tartar below the gums. Your tooth root surfaces get scaled to eliminate bacterial toxins from the periodontal pockets and encourage tissue healing. This treatment is completed using hand scalers or ultrasonic instruments.
Root planing involves smoothing the tooth root, which can prevent plaque and other toxins from sticking to the surface. Many patients respond well and do not require additional periodontal treatment. However, you may require ongoing periodontal maintenance to keep your mouth healthy.
Antibiotic Therapy
Antibiotic therapy is another non-surgical form of non-surgical periodontal treatment. It uses antibiotics to reduce the infection. This medication can be administered as a pill or topical gel applied directly to the tissues.
Another option is a gelatin chip containing a slow-release medication put inside your periodontal pocket after root planing to eliminate bacteria.
Laser Treatment
Laser periodontal treatment is a minimally invasive option involving using a laser to remove the diseased tissue around the tooth’s root. Tartar and plaque that has formed beneath the gum line are removed to promote healing. It is more comfortable than surgical procedures and produces less shrinkage.
Dangers of Leaving Gum Disease Untreated
Periodontal disease begins with slightly inflamed gums and can be reversed with prompt treatment. However, when left untreated, it can escalate to severe periodontal disease that triggers infections and bleeding gums.
As this disease progresses, bacteria and tartar move deeper into the gum tissue, damaging the supporting bone and ligaments. As a result, you’ll have bone damage, receding gums, and could lose your teeth.
If left untreated, periodontal disease can affect more than your oral health. As bacteria and tartar levels increase, they can enter your bloodstream and move throughout your body. You may develop other health problems like heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, or stroke.
Your Role in Protecting Your Periodontal Health
Dental plaque is the primary factor causing periodontal disease. You must remove this substance daily by brushing and flossing your teeth using the proper technique. However, a few areas of your mouth are more challenging to reach by using a toothbrush and floss, increasing the importance of routine cleanings at Centre for Smile Designs.
You can also protect your oral health by eating a low-sugar diet and avoiding tobacco products.
Effective Periodontal Treatment By a Skilled Professional
Many patients have benefited from Dr. John Hopkins’ outstanding periodontal therapy, which has helped them keep their teeth and preserve healthy bone density. His soft tissue program and gentle, comprehensive non-surgical gum care have restored many smiles.
Call Centre for Smile Design to schedule an appointment to evaluate your periodontal health today.