Periodontal Disease Treatments
Periodontal treatment is crucial when the health of the gums and surrounding tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place become compromised. The retention of teeth and the aesthetics of your smile are all affected by the health of your gums and periodontium. Periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious gum infection and one of the most common causes of tooth loss in the U.S. If left untreated, the condition will worsen and damage the bone that supports your teeth. Even though the harmful effects of periodontal disease are damaging, it is treatable and preventable.
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease, is a type of gum infection that will result from untreated gingivitis (gum disease). As bacteria from plaque enter the pockets between your gum and teeth, your body will produce chronic inflammatory responses, resulting in deeper gum pockets and surrounding soft tissues and bone resorb. If this is untreated, periodontitis can damage the bone and lead to tooth mobility and tooth loss.
This dental condition is destructive and very common, but luckily it is preventable with good oral hygiene and periodontal maintenance. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing every day, and receiving regular dental cleanings and checkups can reduce the risk of developing periodontitis as the disruptive bacteria adhered to your teeth and under the gums get cleansed out.
Signs & Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Periodontitis is usually the result of the infection and inflammation of the gums and bones around the teeth. Some signs and symptoms that can be key indicators of periodontal disease include:
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Red or swollen gums
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Bad breath or taste
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Tender and bleeding gums
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Painful chewing
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Sensitive or loose teeth
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Receding gums
A change in your mouth’s bite
Causes of Periodontitis
For the majority of patients, periodontitis begins with poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky, bacteria-filled biofilm that will constantly form as it adheres to teeth and underneath the gums. The bacteria releases toxins which irritate the gum and eventually lead to gum disease (gingivitis). When good oral hygiene is neglected, the plaque will harden and form tartar (calculus) anywhere above and below the gumline and leading to periodontitis. Some causes of periodontitis are:
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Poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup
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Tartar (Calculus) formed around your teeth and under your gumline in gum pockets
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Smoking and smokeless tobacco
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Bruxism (grinding and clenching)
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Diet
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Certain medications
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Genetics (hereditary factors)
Periodontal Disease Can Lead to Other Diseases
Research has proven that there is a strong correlation between periodontitis and other chronic conditions. If left untreated, periodontal disease can eventually worsen and even develop or affect other health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
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Bacterial infection in the mouth can travel through the bloodstream and lead to other systemic diseases and health concerns. It is imperative to maintain and practice good oral hygiene and reverse or prevent the development of periodontitis, as well as other serious health conditions.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
Periodontitis is common but very harmful to the health of your mouth and can actually lead to other systemic diseases; however, it can be prevented. Gum disease and periodontal disease are generally a result of poor dental hygiene; so brushing at least twice a day, flossing once a day, and receiving routine dental checkups can greatly improve your chances of a successful periodontal treatment, and can completely prevent the disease from ever developing.
Managing Periodontitis With Pristine Dental NYC
There are a couple of ways to manage your periodontitis and gain control before periodontitis progresses from gingivitis to mild and moderate periodontitis, and lastly severe periodontitis. Understanding the cause of periodontitis, your need for periodontal treatment and reviewing how well your gums and periodontium respond to the recommended treatment options are all important in periodontal maintenance. Different treatment options are available at different stages of periodontitis and listed below are the most common periodontal treatments.
Scaling and Root Planing
Deep cleaning or scaling and root planing can help combat or prevent your periodontitis. This form of deep cleaning can reach deep gum pockets, between the gum and teeth, where regular brushing and flossing cannot. As etiologic factors like dental plaque and tartar (calculus) are removed and the bacteria biofilm is disrupted in these sites, deep cleaning can reverse or prevent the progression of periodontal disease and tooth loss. Learn more
Arestin Treatments
Arestin is an antibiotic medication that is placed directly into the infected gum site or deep gum pocket. This minocycline antibiotic will directly kill the bacteria in the gum pocket and aid in reducing gum inflammation and symptomsof gingivitis. Arestin is an adjunctive treatment that is most effective after the completion of scaling and root planing.
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