Restore Your Gum Health
DID YOU KNOW? Periodontitis affects roughly one-third of the US population (Shaddox LM, Walker CB). When periodontitis is diagnosed early, it avoids more challenging and severe stages of the disease.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
For starters, periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth.
How Does Periodontal Disease Develop?
Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. There are a wide variety of bacteria that are normally found in our mouths. When certain types of bacteria outgrow the others, this starts the process of gum disease. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line that constantly forms on our teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease. Periodontal diseases can be accelerated by a number of different factors. However, it is mainly caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque, a sticky colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar).
Gum disease is a silent, chronic, painless and communicable bacterial infection that often goes undetected or ignored until severe gum and bone destruction is unbearable and no longer able to be ignored. Left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss and traditional treatment can hurt.
What Are Common Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?
-
Bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away
-
Red or swollen gums
-
Tender or bleeding gums
-
Painful chewing
-
Loose teeth
-
Sensitive teeth
-
Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
-
Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
-
Any change in the fit of partial dentures
How Do Gum Diseases Affect My Health?
As mentioned, periodontal disease is a progressive condition that can affect one’s oral and overall health. Studies have shown that gum disease can be related to other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease.According to the ADA, individuals who experience strokes and high stress are more likely to develop gum disease. Be sure to talk with one of our Omaha professionals to ensure you have a game plan for maintaining healthy oral care and overall care.
How Long Can You Keep Your Teeth with Periodontal Disease?
Bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this accumulated bacteria leads to tooth loss.
Is Gum Disease Curable?
The best way to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.
Patients that experience gum disease is a treatable infection, especially when caught in its early stages. If you notice symptoms such as bleeding gums, DO NOT IGNORE! It is important to take an aggressive approach and contact our team right away.
What are Periodontal Disease Solutions?
At Bel Drive Dental, we encourage routine healthy habits to keep your oral health in tip top shape. Below are just a few healthy habits that can help:
-
Visiting your Omaha dentist regularly
-
Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each time and flossing once a day to ensure the teeth and gums remain healthy
-
Healthy eating habits – avoid sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, or non-nutritious snacks that increase risk for tooth decay
-
Avoid tobacco as it can harmful to gums and teeth
Medications can affect oral health, because some lessen the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on teeth and gums.
At our Omaha office, our team checks for periodontal disease by scaling and root planing (also known as a deep cleaning), and utilizing dental x-rays to check on the amount of bone that is supporting the patient’s teeth. Oftentimes, periodontal disease patients are placed on a maintenance cleaning schedule where they are recommended to be seen three or four times a year. Dental x-rays help monitor the amount of bone that is supporting your teeth. If our team spots low bone levels, it could be a sign of damage from gum disease and tartar.
- Scaling removes plaque and tartar form below the gumline
- Root planing smoothes the tooth root and helps the gums reattach to the tooth
By using these best practices, our hygiene team can identify early signs of infection or damage. Every patient’s gum disease treatment will depend on various factors, including your personal health history and the current stage of your gum disease.
Contact Us Today
Our practice, Bel Drive Dental, is located in the strip mall at the corner of 120th & Arbor, in Omaha, NE and is here to help you maintain optimum oral care for years to come!
As a trusted local dental clinic in Omaha, NE, Bel Drive Dental strives to make your dental experience as simple and painless as possible. You can be seen at our clinic by calling, texting us, booking online, or simply walking right in! Our goal is to provide you with an exceptional dental experience from start to finish.
