Causes of Periodontal Disease
There are multiple causes for this disease – the main being plaque and tartar. If plaque or tartar gets stuck between your gums and teeth, or even underneath your gum tissue, your gums may become swollen or irritated. While everyone deals with plaque, its buildup underneath your gums is where the problem lies. Other risk factors can lead to gum disease such as:
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Genetics
These conditions lead to a restricted blood flow to your gums which can cause them to swell.
Watch for These Common Signs
Gum disease is tricky and the signs and symptoms may not appear until you are in its advanced stages. However, you may experience any of the following:
- Swollen and red gums
- Tender, sensitive gums
- Gums that bleed while flossing or brushing
- Teeth that look longer (gum recession)
- Teeth that become loose or begin to migrate
If you notice any of these symptoms, call our dental boutique right away. You may have the chance to avoid surgery by catching this disease in the early stages.
Prevention is Vital
We recommend that you take all of the necessary precautionary steps to prevent periodontal disease. This way, you will be able to avoid the discomfort and health problems caused by this condition. The most important step in prevention is great oral hygiene which includes:
- Brushing and flossing twice a day
- Using BreathRx mouthwash
- Scheduling a teeth cleaning at least twice a year
While owning a Sonicare toothbrush and using BreathRx mouthwash are two great ways to keep your mouth healthy, it is extremely important that you visit Dr. Patty’s Dental Boutique & Spa every three to six months to have your teeth cleaned. We have specialized instruments that allow us to reach areas in between your teeth and gums that you cannot reach on your own. We can remove tartar and plaque during your visit so that you reduce your risk of gum disease. To reduce your risk of periodontal disease even further, we suggest that you eat a healthy diet, stop smoking, drink a lot of water, and control your blood sugar.
Treatment Options
What can Happen if you Don’t Treat Periodontal Disease?
Some people may not even notice that they are suffering from mild gum disease but if it is left untreated by a cosmetic dentist, it will lead to a serious problem. By not treating periodontal disease in the early stages, it will lead to full blown gingivitis. This condition can lead to:
- Bleeding gums
- Tender gums
- Teeth sensitivity
- Tooth decay
- Tooth loss
- Need for dentures
Gingivitis does not only affect your teeth but your overall health as well. In fact, it has been linked to serious conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Certain types of cancer
- Respiratory disease
At Dr. Patty’s Dental Boutique & Spa, we have a variety of treatments and techniques available to prevent or stop gum disease. Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation!
Non-Surgical Options
If you have periodontal disease, you may not need a surgical treatment. Other options that you will have may include:
- Detoxifying the surface of the root to reduce the amount of bacterial toxins in the gums
- Removing bacteria by irrigating underneath the gum line with an antimicrobial medicine
- Reducing the amount of bacteria and toxins around the gums with an ultrasonic laser that can assist your immune system in controlling the infection
If you are able to use one of these options for your treatment, our cosmetic dentist will review all instructions necessary for your oral care at home before and after your procedure.
Surgical Options for Periodontal Disease
In certain cases, non-surgical options will not work as a treatment for your condition. In this case, you will need to take a surgical approach which can include:
- Flap Surgery (Pocket Depth Reduction): This can fix open spaces caused by the gum disease. After the reduction, healthy tissue is placed so that you can have a gorgeous smile
- Regeneration: This is used for more severe or advanced gum disease. Sometimes a bone graft may be needed along with the regeneration to stimulate new growth of the gum tissue.
- Soft tissue graft: This procedure can take your healthy gum and mouth tissue and sew it to areas that are experiencing gum recession. This procedure helps restore your gum line while giving you a stunning smile.
More information can be found about surgical and non-surgical options by clicking here. Whichever option is needed for your treatment, you will confident in the outcome at our dental boutique!
Why Choose Dr. Patty’s Dental Boutique & Spa?
- Mircoblading
- Facials
- Veneers
- Dental Crowns
- And much more
You can schedule your complimentary consultation at Dr. Patty’s Dental Boutique and Spa today by calling 954-524-2300.