A Few Things to Remember About Periodontal Disease

The term periodontal refers to the structures that support and surround your teeth. Also called gum disease, periodontal disease Campbell affects about 75% of Americans at some point. Without timely treatment, you risk a worsening infection of the gums and tissues surrounding the teeth.

This can lead to tooth loss, loose and cracked teeth, bad breath, and bleeding or reddening gums. Also, your gums may recede, leading to the shrinking away of the gum line from the teeth. That will make your teeth appear longer.

Below are a few things you should remember about periodontal disease.

Risk factors for periodontal disease

Often, you are at increased risk of periodontal disease if you do not maintain good oral health. Without brushing teeth regularly, a gradual buildup of a sticky film of bacteria and food particles occur around the teeth and gums.

The bacteria produce acids that attack and erode the enamel, the protective, hard layer covering your teeth. As a result, you can have cavities. With time, plaque develops into tartar, a hard substance formed along the gum line. Tartar makes it even harder to brush your gums and teeth.

You can also be susceptible to periodontal disease if you smoke regularly, have crooked teeth, or wear improperly fitting bridges. Other factors that put you at risk of periodontal disease are defective fillings and severe hormonal fluctuations in females. Hormonal changes can occur when you are pregnant or use birth control pills.

Complications of periodontal disease

Apart from tooth loss, a bacterial infection of your gums and teeth can spread into your bloodstream. When that happens, infections can reach other parts of your body, leading to various health conditions. Potential health issues can include uncontrollable blood sugar levels if you have diabetes and narrowing of coronary arteries.

Periodontal disease treatment

There are several treatments your dentist can recommend for you, depending on the severity of the periodontal disease. If the condition is in its early stages, your dentist will prefer conservative treatment such as tooth scaling and root planing.

Tooth scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that can help remove hardened materials on the teeth. However, if periodontal disease is severe, you may have to undergo the replacement of your teeth. Options for replacing missing teeth include dentures, dental implants and dentures.

Your dentist can also recommend other advanced dental procedures like bone grafting and the LANAP protocol. Laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP) was first used in 1994 and was developed by Gregg and McCarthy. The regenerative technique can help regrow and regenerate gum tissue instead of surgically removing it.

Periodontal disease prevention

Maintain healthy oral hygiene, especially cleaning your teeth and flossing to prevent severe plaque and bacteria buildup. As food debris increases on and between the teeth, they attract harmful microbes that release acids to attack the enamel.

Moreover, quit chewing tobacco or smoking and control your blood sugar level if you have diabetes. Furthermore, avoid consuming beverages and foods with lots of sugar and stay hydrated by drinking sufficient water regularly. Water can wash away the food particles that harmful bacteria eat in your mouth.

Contact Ueno Center today to book a consultation with a periodontal disease specialist.