Up to 80 percent of the population unknowingly has some form of gum disease. Characterized by a persistent bacterial infection surrounding one tooth or several teeth, gum disease causes little discomfort and produces few obvious symptoms in the early stages. When periodontal disease is not treated, it will spread and compromise gums, teeth, bone, and it can lead to heart disease and strokes, as well as diabetes and pregnancy complications.
Who is at risk?
Any of the following conditions greatly exacerbate the risk of gum disease: smoking, tobacco use, hormone fluctuations, stress, some medications, bruxism, diabetes, poor nutrition, HIV, and any disease resulting in immunosuppression., heredity, and poor oral hygiene. Even patients who practice good oral homecare routines can get gum disease. Gums irritated by bacteria can recede from the teeth, creating deep pockets where more bacteria can hide and flourish.
Treating Gum Disease
Early on, when redness, swelling, and bleeding are the only symptoms, we can treat and reverse gum disease non-surgically. Regular check ups greatly increase your potential for early detection and conservative treatment. Generally, treatment will include careful, individualized instruction regarding the most effective means of brushing and flossing at home. This strategy is sometimes accompanied by professional scaling or careful scraping of all affected tooth surfaces, gum pocket irrigation, and even local antibiotic placement in areas of significant irritation. Often, patients experience immediate improvement. If, however, symptoms don't improve significantly, you may require surgical treatment.
Surgical Treatments
If gum disease progresses without intervention, a patient may need surgery to remediate the disease and restore the mouth to good oral health. Typically, periodontists may perform four surgical treatments: pocket depth reduction, bone or tissue regeneration, crown lengthening, and/or soft tissue grafts. All of these procedures may improve your chances of keeping your teeth for life.
If you have further questions about gum disease and current treatments, please contact our office for a consultation.
What do powdered fruit, talc, honey, dried
flowers, mice and lizard livers have in common? They have all
been ingredients in ancient toothpaste and powder. Yum.
Attention Chocolate Lovers…Many dentists
agree raisins can cause more tooth decay than chocolate. Sticky
foods such as raisins and dried fruits can stay on the teeth
longer and develop more decay.
According to a study at the University of
Connecticut, too much toothpaste early in life is responsible
for more than 70% of fluorosis cases (staining or mottling of
tooth enamel that develops when children swallow fluoridated
toothpaste). Although this problem is only cosmetic, it is recommended
children under six only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste
and be reminded to spit it out after brushing.
