PREVENTATIVE/PERIODONTICS

Cause For Concern

Why should you be concerned about periodontal (gum) disease?

Periodontal disease is so common that estimates of those affected range from between 75% to more than 90%. It is an insidious bacterial infection that begins with no symptoms and can progressively affect the appearance of your gums, cause bad breath, and eventually lead to tooth loss which can affect your ability to chew, speak, and socialize. It causes progressive bone loss which can alter the proportions of your face. Periodontal disease has also been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, premature births, kidney disease, oral cancer, lung disease and Alzheimer’s.

What causes it?

Plaque, the soft thin film your may feel on your teeth, is a natural biofilm with its own ecosystem of bacterial environments. If this film is allowed to build up, it hardens into calculus (or tartar) which can cause gum inflammation and bleeding. Calculus can damage the natural seal formed by your gums against the migration of oral bacterial into your bloodstream. The earliest and most common stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. As it progresses, it is called periodontitis.

How can you prevent or manage gum disease?

It’s very important that you maintain a home care routine to prevent plaque from becoming calculus. Daily plaque removal by brushing and flossing, maintaining adequate nutrition and minimizing stress, avoiding teeth grinding and clenching, and giving up tobacco can help. Keep your regular appointments so we can keep on top of things, because once calculus is formed, only your dental team can remove it. Thanks to modern dentistry, periodontal disease can be managed and even reversed!

Go Pro-Active!

Prevent cavities and gum disease

We know that bacteria has been linked to cavities and gum disease. A pro-active approach to your home care routine will go a long way to preventing oral health problems that can affect your appearance and overall health.

• Brush to prevent the buildup of the bacterial biofilm that can contribute to cavities and harden into the tartar that causes gum disease.
• Floss to reach below your gumline and in-between teeth where your brush can’t reach.
• Rinse with antibacterial mouthrinse. We can recommend alcohol-free products.
• Remineralize enamel that has weakened and become porous. We can help here in the office and can recommend and prescribe fluoride gels, mouthrinses, drops, or tablets that will keep your teeth strong and resistant to decay.