Several years ago I decided to take a trip to the dentist after skipping multiple appointments for over 15 years. I truly had a dental anxiety and had a hard time getting over my fears. Thankfully, my dental visit went smoothly with only four cavities identified. What I did find from this dental visit was that there was a great deal of new information and technology that I had been missing out on. Laser-based technology and digital imaging are just a few examples. With this blog, I want you to understand that you can get over your fears and learn about this new technology like I did, so enjoy the information.
Periodontal disease is caused by infections below the gum line. Left untreated, it is a major cause of tooth loss and is suspected as a factor in other serious health issues.
Periodontal disease can often by prevented by following proper dental hygiene. Individuals who are predisposed to acquiring periodontal disease, such as diabetics and others with compromised health, must maintain a strict regimen of dental care.
Gum-disease treatments should be sought from a dental professional as soon as possible upon your experiencing the symptoms of periodontal disease.
What are the causes of periodontal disease?
When simple sugars from carbohydrates are left on the teeth, acids in the saliva feed on the sugars to form a film called plaque that adheres to the teeth. A layer of plaque can form within one day of abstaining from brushing and flossing.
If plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth through poor dental hygiene, it can feed on additional sugars to form a hard substance called tartar.
If this tartar begins to form below the gum line, it can push the gums away from the teeth, creating pockets in which bacteria can thrive and grow. Gums eventually recede, and teeth become loosened, eventually either falling out or needing extraction.
What are the initial symptoms of periodontal disease?
Bleeding gums are the best indicator of the advancement of gum disease. You may notice that your gums are bleeding after brushing or may notice blood on the food you are eating, such as on the bread of a sandwich.
If your teeth are covered with a buildup of tartar, you may have pieces of the tartar break off when you are brushing or eating. It may resemble a small sliver of seashell in appearance and texture.
Inordinately bad breath may also be present due to the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Later stages will lead to loose teeth and possible systemic infections in the body.
How is periodontal disease treated?
Your dentist will likely suggest a deep cleaning if the gum disease is in its early stages. Deep cleaning will be done in two separate visits because it is much more intense than a regular cleaning, so only one side of the mouth will be cleaned on each visit.
Your dentist is likely to refer you to a periodontist, a specialist in gum disease, if the symptoms are beyond the very early stages.
How can you prevent periodontal disease?
Brushing for two minutes after every meal and flossing twice per day are important parts of keeping periodontal disease at bay. Use of an antiseptic mouthwash is also helpful.
If you are unable to brush and floss, rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash until you can get back on schedule. Brushing and flossing removes the sugars on which the acids feed. If you can't remove the sugars, disrupt the process with the mouthwash.
Make an appointment with a professional such as Bradley T Piotrowski DDS MSD LLC to get started with treatment.
Share13 January 2017
