Today we’re shining a spotlight on a crucial aspect of dental care that often gets overlooked, but can make all the difference in keeping your teeth and gums healthy: periodontal care.
Periodontitis is a dreaded word that can send shivers down anyone’s spine. But fear not: Eriks Dental Group is here to unveil the magical powers of preventative dental care in the battle against this gum disease.
Read on to learn more about what periodontitis is, as well as the secrets to prevention. From mastering the art of daily oral hygiene to understanding the pivotal role of professional dental check-ups, we’ve got you covered.
What Is Periodontitis?
Around 47% of adults over the age of 30 and 70% of adults over the age of 65 have periodontitis. Otherwise known as gum disease, periodontitis causes the soft tissues of your mouth to become infected. It is associated with a lack of dental care and some chronic health conditions.
Additionally, the CDC reports that this form of gum disease is more common in men than women, regular smokers (or vapers), and individuals living below the poverty line.
Other causes of periodontitis include:
- Poor nutrition
- Poor hygiene
- Smoking
- Age, genetics, and stress
Gum disease has four identifiable stages: gingivitis, mild, moderate, and severe periodontitis. The first stage, gingivitis, is extremely common. If left untreated, it will develop into a more serious case of periodontitis. Once gum disease has progressed past the first stage, it isn’t curable, only manageable.
During the first stage, gums may bleed, swell, or stay red and irritated. Beyond this stage, periodontitis causes the gums to pull away from teeth and bones. Over time, plaque and bacteria erode the softer tissue, further causing infection and tooth loss. Patients with advanced cases can experience jawbone loss and more.
Some signs of periodontitis to look for are:
- Swollen and red gums
- Gum erosion (teeth may appear longer than normal)
- Painful chewing
- Loose or sensitive teeth
- Chronic bad breath
The Link Between Periodontal Health and Overall Health
Because the mouth is the primary access point to the respiratory and digestive systems, it’s critical to managing overall health. Your mouth is full of bacteria; without proper periodontal care, harmful bacteria can find their way into the rest of your body. Not only can gum disease result in poor dental and oral health, but it can also impact your overall health, too.
With advanced gum disease, the bacteria has grown to high levels, resulting in the infection of the soft tissues on the inside of your mouth. If left untreated, periodontitis can result in:
- Pneumonia
- Complications during pregnancy
- Heart Disease
- Increased risk for stroke
The Role of Periodontal Care
Periodontic care encompasses a range of practices and professional interventions aimed at preserving the health of the gums, teeth, and surrounding tissues. The role of periodontal services in preventative health is essential to maintaining oral health, preventing periodontitis, and reducing the risks of developing more serious health conditions.
Early Detection
Regular dental check-ups as part of dental care allow dental professionals to detect and manage signs of gum disease or other serious dental problems. Early intervention can prevent mild issues from developing into more severe and painful conditions.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
One of the primary roles is to prevent the onset and progression of periodontitis. By promoting proper oral hygiene habits and regular dental check-ups, periodontic care helps keep plaque and tartar buildup at bay, reducing the risk of gum disease development.
Maintaining Healthy Gums
Healthy gums are the foundation of the mouth and smile. Periodontal care focuses on keeping the gums in good condition by encouraging effective brushing, flossing, and interdental cleaning. It helps prevent gum inflammation and ensures the gums remain firm, pink, and free from bleeding.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Periodontal dental care also involves tailoring treatment plans to individual needs. Periodontists assess each patient’s oral health, risk factors, and medical history to create personalized gum health maintenance and prevention strategies. This is essential for individuals with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, or those who may be pregnant or experiencing hormonal shifts that can impact overall dental health.
Gum Disease Prevention
Though gum disease is common among adults, there is no known cure for it. However, it can be prevented and managed with the help of a periodontal professional, as well as good hygiene and lifestyle practices.
To prevent gum disease, brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Follow up with proper flossing between each tooth to remove additional debris that gets stuck in the crevices of your teeth. Always schedule a routine visit to the dentist at least twice per year for annual cleanings. This will help reduce the amount of bacteria and build-up that can form in your mouth. It’s also critical to quit smoking and eat a balanced diet to prevent gum disease and maintain optimal oral health.
Periodontal Treatment
If gingivitis has developed into periodontitis, several treatment options are available through your local dentist. For more advanced cases, one treatment option is periodontal laser therapy. It is an effective and relatively painless, non-invasive treatment. With this procedure, a laser targets and removes affected gum tissue while preserving healthy tissue.
Other treatment options include a deep dental cleaning. Regular dental cleanings remove surface-level plaque and bacteria, but a deep cleaning removes bacteria below the gum line. Sometimes referred to as dental scaling or planing, this procedure requires a numbing agent and can span two or more trips to the office. This treatment option is best for patients with advanced gum disease or those at a higher risk of developing it.
Trusted Periodontal Care In Boynton Beach
By fostering good oral hygiene habits and offering personalized care, periodontal professionals help patients maintain beautiful smiles and safeguard their oral health.
Eriks Dental Group in Boynton Beach is a team of professionals specializing in a variety of services, from cosmetic dentistry to routine dental care.
To schedule your periodontal care, call today at 561-733-4004 and be sure to request our periodontitis, Dr. Pike.