Gum & Periodontal Disease

Gum disease is highly prevalent, affecting 2 in 5 adults. The implications of gum disease are far-reaching and can impact not only your dental health but your overall systemic health as well; periodontal disease has been linked to several systemic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and pregnancy complications.

There are numerous ongoing studies aimed at better understanding the full effect of unhealthy gums. Gingivitis, a type of gum disease, is caused by bacteria that penetrate under the gum line and cause inflammation. This can result in bleeding or sore and red gums. If the gingivitis continues, it can lead to periodontal disease, which is defined as bone loss caused by persistent inflammation. Often, patients with periodontal disease will notice a shift in their teeth, bad odor or bleeding gums.

The best method to curtail this disease is with adequate home care with daily brushing and flossing. We highly recommend brushing for two minutes at a time, twice daily using an electric toothbrush, and flossing once daily, preferably before you go to bed.

Should you develop periodontal disease, we do have innovative ways to treat it. As part of your comprehensive examination, we compile data related to your condition to make the appropriate treatment plan. We perform a detailed examination, that may require additional imaging, like a CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography system).

Periodontal Disease Progression

  • Healthy

  • Mild Disease

  • Advanced

Treatment

Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Your periodontist and dental hygienist will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues. When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth.

Early-Stage Disease

If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.

Advanced Stage Disease

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special perdiodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended. It is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb. In this procedure, tarter, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the hum line (scaling) and rough spots on the root surfaces and made smooth (planing). This procedure helps gum tissue heal and pockts shrink. Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric toothbrush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.

If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, other periodontal procedures may be necessary to reduce pocket depths, making your teeth easier to clean and maintain. 

Home Care

A beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is our ultimate goal when treating patients.  Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal.  Your personal home care starts by eating balanced meals, reducing the number of snacks you eat, and correctly using the various dental aids available that help control plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

  • Tooth Brushing

    Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

    1. Place the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and gently brush using small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.

    2. Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.

    3. Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front of teeth.

    4. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

    Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

  • Flossing

    Daily flossing is the best way to clean best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

    1. Take 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers. leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.

    2. Using your thumb and forefingets to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between your teeth using a sawing motion.

    3. Curve the floss into a “C” shapre around each tooth and under the gum-line. Getnly move the floss us and down, cleaning the side of each tooh.

    Floss holders and water flossers are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

  • Rinsing

    It is important to rinse your month with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush.

    If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your periodontist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you.

    Use other dental aids as recommended by your periodontist or dental hygienist: interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride, medicated rinses, etc., can all play a role in good dental home care.