Restore Your Oral Health with Personalized Periodontal Therapy
BLEEDING GUMS
Some people think that when their gums bleed, it simply means they’re brushing too hard. While brushing too hard is bad for the gums, it should not cause bleeding. Any bleeding of the gums should be considered a warning sign of gum disease.
It’s very easy for plaque to collect in the spaces between the teeth, creating the perfect living conditions for bacteria that produce odorous, sulfur-containing compounds, resulting in bad breath.
REDNESS OR SWELLING OF GUMS
Inflammation of the gums is usually the first visible sign of periodontal disease.
If you notice that your teeth look longer than they used to, it may be that your gum tissue has receded (away from the enamel), exposing some of your tooth roots. In more advanced cases, patients may notice pockets between their teeth and gums, and possibly even one or more loose teeth. If left untreated, you may end up losing teeth or experiencing other serious oral health complications.
SENSITIVITY
If there is gum recession, the exposed roots may become sensitive to hot or cold.
PERIODONTAL ABSCESS
Bacteria can become enclosed in a periodontal pocket and the area will fill with pus, becoming swollen and painful.
When periodontal disease results in bone loss, teeth can become loose or migrate. Tooth loss can result and may be accelerated if you are applying excessive biting forces from clenching or grinding your teeth.
Treating periodontal disease as early as possible is important for preserving not just your oral health but also your overall health. Medical studies have linked periodontal disease to a range of health problems in the rest of the body, including:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Pneumonia
- Diabetes
- Pre-term birth and low birth weight
Treatment Options
All periodontal therapy starts with the evaluation of your oral hygiene techniques and instruction for improving them, followed by the mechanical removal of plaque and any calcified deposits (tartar or calculus) that are present on the root surfaces. This is accomplished with a cleaning technique known as scaling, root planing or debridement using hand instruments and/or ultrasonic (high frequency vibrational) instruments. Locally applied antimicrobial products or antibiotics might also be recommended during various parts of periodontal treatment to assist in healing and pocket-depth reduction, hopefully eliminating the need for periodontal surgery.
Preventive Strategies
The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to brush and floss your teeth effectively every day. In fact, regular dental checkups and professional cleanings every 3, 4 or 6 months (as recommended by your dentist) are also an important part of maintaining periodontal health; the instruments and techniques used in these cleanings can reach into areas that your toothbrush and floss can’t.
