Periodontal Care (Gum Care)

For people entering their 30s and beyond, the threat of gum disease (periodontal disease) is a very real and potentially dangerous condition. This illness can be silent in the sense that it causes no pain and often has no symptoms. It does however slowly break down the bone that houses your teeth. As the gum disease continues and the bone loss becomes more severe, teeth become mobile and can ultimately be lost.

Additionally, as this slowly progressing infection continues within your gums, the bacteria can enter into your blood stream and have a detrimental impact to distant organs such as your heart and liver. In fact, having chronic gum disease has been shown to increase your risk of more severe health issues like a heart attack, stroke and diabetic complications.

The Stages of Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is a gradual infection of the gums and the supporting bone. It is caused when build-up of plaque on and around the teeth calcifies into tartar. This tartar contains micro-organisms which release toxins, causing the first stage of gum disease known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is characterized by swelling, inflammation, and bleeding of the gums. In the advanced stages of gum disease (referred to as periodontitis), the bacterial toxins along with your body's immune system cause the bone to resorb or dissolve. The teeth having lost a part of their bone support begin to move and eventually with more bone loss there is tooth loss.

Prevention

The ravages of gum disease are best prevented by early detection and proper dental hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day helps to remove the thin layer of bacteria that release dangerous toxins into your mouth. Flossing or other interdental cleansing is also important to keep your mouth free from residual food and bacteria. Also, using a mouth rinse, prescription or over the counter considerably reduces the microbial count in your saliva. Finally, maintaining a balanced diet and scheduling regular dental appointments help stem the advance of gum disease and keep you healthy and smiling.

Maintenance

Periodontal maintenance is essential to the ongoing stability and health of your teeth and gums. Optimal periodontal health requires regular follow up care. We will advise the frequency of your follow up care based on the severity of your gum problem. It usually involves visits in 3-4 month intervals. Periodontal maintenance care helps to eliminate the bacterial plaque on a regular basis and facilitate healing and prevent further destruction of bone.

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