
Guarding Your Whole Health by Protecting Your Gums
Your gums are the basis for good health in your mouth. Without proper care, issues such as Gingivitis, a common mild form of gum disease (periodontal disease) could arise causing irritation, redness, and swelling (inflammation) of your gingiva, the part of your gum around the base of your teeth. Gingivitis left untreated can lead to a much more severe gum disease called periodontitis and tooth loss.
Not only is tooth loss a concern but gum disease can result in other significant health issues as well.
Health Issues Associated with Periodontal Disease
Atherosclerosis and heart disease — Gum disease increases the chance of obstructed arteries, heart disease, and is believed to worsen existing heart disease.
Stroke — Gum disease increases the chance of the kind of stroke that is created by blocked arteries.
Premature births — a woman with gum disease during pregnancy may be more likely to deliver her baby too early. The infant may have a higher chance for low birth weight.
Diabetes — Diabetic patients with periodontal disease may have more trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetic patients with healthy gums.
Respiratory disease — Bacteria linked with gum disease can lead to lung infections or worsen existing lung conditions, which is particularly important for elderly adults in institutions such as nursing homes. In this group, bacteria from the mouth may reach the lungs and may cause severe pneumonia.
Signs You May be at Risk for Gum Disease
While Healthy gums are firm and pale pink fitting tightly around the teeth, signs of gingivitis might include the below:
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Dusky red or dark red gums
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
- Tender gums
If you have any of these signs, you should contact Aberdeen Dentistry immediately and schedule an appointment with Dr. Krawatsky. The sooner your gums are examined, the better the chances are that we can reverse damage caused by gingivitis and prevent its progression to periodontitis.
Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease
It is important to treat periodontal disease as soon as possible. Dr. Krawatsky will go over the best treatment options and the best way to care for your gums after treatment.
Treatment options for periodontal disease can include:
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing) -Dr. Krawatsky and staff will work to eliminate the plaque using a deep cleaning process called scaling and root planing. The scaling method entails scraping off the tartar from around the gum line. Root planing gets rid of rough places on the tooth root where the germs gather and help eliminate bacteria that contribute to the disease.
Medications along with treatment that include scaling and root planing may be prescribed, but will not always replace surgery.
Severe Cases of Periodontal Disease – In severe cases, surgery is necessary. These procedures could include:
Flap Surgery —if inflammation and deep pockets persist following treatment with deep cleaning and medications. A periodontist will perform flap surgery to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets or to decrease the periodontal pocket and allow easier access for the patient, dentist, and hygienist to keep the area clean. This general surgery involves lifting back the gums and removing the tartar. Then the gums are sutured back in place allowing the tissue to fit snugly around the tooth again.
Bone and Tissue Grafts —in addition to flap surgery, your periodontist may recommend bone or tissue grafts. Grafting is a method to replace or encourage new growth of bone or gum tissue destroyed by periodontitis. Guided tissue regeneration is a procedure used concurrently with bone grafting which a small piece of mesh-like fabric is embedded between the bone and gum tissue, keeping the gum tissue from expanding into space where the bone should be, letting the bone and connective tissue to regrow.
Recommended good oral health habits, such as brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily and regular dental visits, can help limit and reverse gingivitis.
Visit Aberdeen Family Dentistry in Boynton Beach, FL
If you live in the Boynton Beach, FL or Lake Worth, FL areas, please visit us for a complete dental examination and periodontal cleaning. If it is determined you have periodontal disease, you will be offered a comprehensive periodontal maintenance program.
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