Periodontal Care
SRD on Helton Drive in Florence, AL
 At Singing River Dentistry, we specialize in dental procedures that help prevent periodontal disease.
Our doctors have years of experience in treating periodontal disease in children and adults, and can offer you guidance and treatment that will help promote gum health.
Request an Appointment
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a prevalent condition affecting the teeth and gums. It begins with the accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, on the teeth. Over time, if not adequately addressed, this can lead to the development of tartar and escalate into periodontal disease.
Importance of Gum Health
It goes without saying that our teeth and gums form a crucial part of our oral health, and their well-being is interconnected. The gum tissue plays a pivotal role in supporting the teeth and maintaining their stability. Keeping that in mind, neglecting gum health can result in various complications, including bleeding gums, inflammation, and even tooth loss.
While gum health is often overlooked with many focusing on maintaining their teeth, gum health is incredibly important when it comes to our oral health overall. In fact, strong gums ensure that our teeth stay in place, while on the flip side, not having strong gums results in loosened teeth which can fall out or get exposed to bacteria and decay.
Periodontal care is crucial to our overall wellbeing since having weak gums or gum disease has also been linked to several health concerns. For instance, there's a handful of research that's been done on the link between poor oral hygiene and heart-related diseases.
This means people with untreated gum disease are more likely to develop heart attacks and even strokes. That's because the build-up of plaque in our teeth is considered to be closely related to the build-up of plaque in the heart's arteries, making plaque in your teeth a good indicator of your cardiovascular health as well.
While there can be several reasons for heart disease, heart attacks or strokes, such as, smoking or diabetes, having gum disease due to a lack of periodontal care doubles the risk of developing a cardiovascular disease. So, if you already have a heard condition, it is advised to take your periodontal care very seriously as the right care at the right time can reduce the chances of your heart condition worsening.
In short, our gums are like our skin, they take on the sophisticated role of helping us maintain good oral health and act as a shield that keeps our teeth firmly in place. With that in mind, not maintaining oral hygiene often times leads to weakened gums which in turn, undermines the integrity of not just our teeth, but our entire mouth.
Benefits of Periodontal Care
The following are just some of the many benefits that regular periodontal care offers to individuals.
Preventing Gum Disease
Prevention is the cornerstone of periodontal care. Regular dental check-ups and practicing good oral hygiene can help prevent gum disease. Scaling and root planing, a non-surgical procedure, can effectively remove plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of gum-related issues.
Maintaining Healthy Gums
Proactive measures like routine dental cleanings and examinations are vital for maintaining healthy gums. These practices, coupled with a thorough at-home oral care routine, contribute to gum health and overall oral well-being.
How to Care for Your Gums
There are many ways in which periodontal care can help prevent serious oral health issues. Oral health issues are growing at an alarming rate around the world.
Daily Oral Hygiene Practices
Implementing a robust daily oral hygiene routine is key to preventing periodontal disease. This includes brushing teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, and using an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce the bacteria that cause plaque.
Importance of Regular Check-ups
Regular dental check-ups are essential for the early detection of any potential issues. Dentists can identify signs of gum disease, plaque buildup, or other concerns during these visits, allowing for prompt intervention and effective periodontal care.
Diet and Lifestyle Factors
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals contributes to gum health. Additionally, avoiding tobacco products and moderating alcohol consumption can significantly reduce the risk of gum disease.
Common Gum Problems
The following are some of the common issues that people experience when it comes to the health of their gums.
Gum Inflammation (Gingivitis)
Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, is characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed during brushing. Good oral hygiene practices and professional dental cleanings can often reverse gingivitis.
Advanced Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. This can lead to the deterioration of the bone supporting the teeth, causing tooth mobility and potential tooth loss. Periodontal care, including scaling and root planing, becomes crucial at this stage.
FAQs about Periodontal Care
The following are some of the most frequently asked questions by those who are looking for periodontal care.
What are the signs of gum disease?
Some of the most common signs of gum disease include bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, and changes in the alignment of teeth. This is where being proactive with your oral health and regular periodontal care can help identify these signs early on and get you the necessary treatment before the condition worsens.
How is gum disease diagnosed and treated?
Common diagnosis of gum disease usually involves a thorough examination by a dentist, often supplemented by X-rays.
Treatment may include scaling and root planing, antibiotics, or, in advanced cases, surgical interventions. Your dentist will be in the right position to help guide you towards the right treatment option after carrying out a thorough examination of your teeth and gums.
Can periodontal care improve bad breath?
Addressing gum disease through periodontal care can significantly improve bad breath. Removing the source of infection and maintaining good oral hygiene are key steps in combating this common concern.
Periodontal Care at Singing River Dentistry
Contact us today at (256) 904-4220 to get started with your periodontal care!
Request an Appointment
|
