How Periodontal Treatment Will Elevate Your Health

Defining Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a condition in the gums and bones supporting your teeth. It can be caused by poor oral hygiene habits, using tobacco, genetics, and certain medical problems, including diabetes.

It happens when bacteria form a layer of plaque on the teeth, which then attacks the gums, causing inflammation and other issues, such as:

• Bleeding gums
• Painful gums
• Swollen gums
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should make a dental appointment quickly. The infection can be treated best in the early stages.

Stopping Gum Disease

Bacteria on our teeth feed on our food and release acid. Over time, this can leave pits and holes in our teeth, along with irritating and even destroying gum tissue. To stop the progression of gum disease, your dentist may use:

• Antibiotics to fight bacteria.
• Scaling and root planing to clean the teeth and help the gums reattach to the teeth.
• Laser therapy to stimulate new gum tissue growth and shape your gums.

Saving Your Teeth

If a gum disease infection spreads too far, it can cause irreversible damage that could cause tooth loss. Why? Because the gums nourish and support the teeth, and if gums are damaged, the teeth lose much of their support system.

Plus, gum disease can also damage the bone under the teeth that holds them in place. That’s why gum disease treatment can save teeth—and help prevent costly tooth restoration services.

Relieving Gum Disease Symptoms

Some symptoms of gum disease cause problems in your everyday life. But periodontal disease treatment can help in these ways:

• Bleeding Gums: Scaling and root planing removes the tartar and plaque that causes bleeding gums.
• Loose Teeth: This is caused by damage to the supporting bone under the teeth. Treatment helps stop this bone damage.
• Bad Breath: An infection makes a bad smell, which treatment dramatically reduces.

Improving Your Smile

Gum disease can make your smile look unattractive, especially if you have swollen, reddish, or bleeding gums. You might also hide your smile if your breath is chronically bad because of a bacterial infection.

If gum disease leads to tooth loss, that would also directly damage your smile. Gum disease treatment can relieve these problems and let you smile confidently again. We can also reshape and stimulate your gums.

Preventing Related Health Complications

Gum disease is linked in studies with other health problems, and our dentists stay up-to-date on that research. Gum disease can contribute to:

• Diabetes.
• Heart attacks.
• Birth complications.
• Joint inflammation.
• Brain problems.

In gum disease, bacteria multiply to unsafe levels. If they cause bleeding gums and enter your veins, they’ll attack your organs. By having your gums checked regularly, you can protect your health.

Improving Your Quality of Life

Imagine how your life could improve from healthier gums and teeth. You can enjoy:

• A More Comfortable Mouth: Avoiding inflamed gums, tooth pain, and tooth decay that cause pain.
• Better Dental Cosmetics: Getting a better-looking smile by having healthy gum tissue growth, stable teeth, and a contoured gum line—along with preventing bad breath.
• Overall Health: Protecting your brain, joints, and other organs from infection.

Saving Money on Medical Services

Gum disease treatment is a great use of your money, because it may help you avoid larger medical expenses in the long run. How?

We’ve discussed the serious health issues related to gum disease above, including tooth loss, diabetes, heart disease, and others. The cost difference is huge between, say, cleaning your gums and a heart attack hospitalization.

So, having your teeth and gums checked today can save you money.

Creating Oral Hygiene Habits

Oral hygiene is important for your wellbeing—your ability to eat nutritious foods, interact socially, feel comfortable, and more. Periodontal treatments can clean and heal your gums, but afterward, you may want to build up your oral hygiene habits.

These include brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing daily, replacing your toothbrush when it wears out, avoiding sugary snacks, and more.