Periodontal (gum) disease is a progressive disease of the gums that leads to periodontal pockets that support growth of bacteria and cause inflammation. This results in loosening of the gums, increased sensitivity, and loss of tissue around the roots of the teeth. There is no cure for periodontal disease but there are periodontal disease treatment solutions that can help delay or even prevent further progression of this disease. The periodontal disease treatment that is most successful involves a combination of preventative measures, such as regular brushing and flossing of teeth; daily periodontal maintenance including a professional dental cleaning performed by a qualified dentist; and prompt periodontal disease treatment when gingivitis or periodontitis is detected and treated.
One of the first steps in periodontal disease treatment is prevention. Brushing and flossing the teeth daily is the first step in any oral hygiene regimen. Regular flossing removes plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums and increases your chances of removing bacteria that may have become trapped between teeth and under the gum line. Professional dental cleaning removes any plaque buildup and also improves the overall oral health of your mouth. If you visit your dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and check-up, you will be able to establish a relationship with the dentist and staff that will ensure your dental health and smile will remain healthy for years to come.
Periodontal diseases are generally caused by poor dental hygiene practices. Poor brushing techniques, flossing and routine dental visits are the main causes of this condition. When there is a buildup of tartar on the teeth, which results in a build-up of bacteria and later infection of gingivitis, the mouth becomes a hotbed for bacterial growth. The result of this infection is a thick, red, irritated plaque.
Treatment options vary depending on the severity of your condition. If the tartar has already reached the gums it may be best to remove the tartar through a root planing procedure. In this procedure, a dentist will remove the plaque from the teeth using a drill and then reshape the bone exposed by the tartar. After the procedure, your dentist will give you oral antibiotics to help prevent a recurrence of infection. If a deep cleaning procedure was performed before the surgery may also help to reduce the severity of periodontal disease.
Treatment options include surgical and non-surgical options. Depending on the severity of your condition, surgical options can include removal of diseased teeth or periodontal disease pockets. Non-surgical treatments are usually focused on reducing bacteria buildup and restoring your gums to their original position. These may include daily brushing to reduce the buildup of bacteria on the teeth and gums, flossing and using a special brush designed for periodontics.
Treatment for periodontal disease is important to prevent the further development of periodontal disease as well as other serious gum diseases such as heart disease. Recent studies have indicated that there is a decreased risk of heart disease in patients that practiced good oral health practices such as brushing regularly and flossing daily. Additionally, a study was conducted where dentists were able to predict who may develop heart disease four years later based on their records. This new technique helps doctors to identify those at risk and begin early intervention to prevent the occurrence of serious conditions such as heart disease.
Periodontitis is not only a dental problem; it can also affect your overall health. It can be associated with weight gain, poor circulation and depression. The longer the inflammation and infection is left untreated the more likely you are to experience serious health issues. Researchers believe that periodontitis is the second most common chronic disease affecting Americans today.
One of the main treatments used for periodontitis is the use of a root planter. This procedure involves taking out diseased gum tissue and reshaping it so it will heal faster and thus stop the infection from spreading. The procedure is non-surgical and does not require any incisions. The surgery is done deep inside the gums so as to protect the roots of healthy bone.