Periodontal Treatment
With all of the studies linking your gum health to your heart health, you are probably more concerned about periodontal (gum) disease than ever before.
If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from periodontal disease, you probably have painful gums and bleeding when you brush and floss, and you may also be troubled by bad breath.
What Causes Gum Disease?
For most patients, the cause of gum disease comes down to neglect. Because bacteria grow rapidly in the warm, moist environment of your mouth, you can acquire gum disease very quickly. Perhaps you have not been brushing or flossing like you should, or you have missed a few professional cleaning appointments and suddenly you find yourself with a painful infection. The good news is that for most patients, we can restore your health within a few appointments.
Bacteria feed on the food particles and plaque on your teeth. When this happens, they multiply quickly and irritate your delicate gum tissue, causing inflammation. Many researchers believe that this inflammation that can create health complications throughout your body.
Systemic Health Risks from Periodontal Disease
When bacteria travel through your blood stream, they can end up anywhere! Research has linked periodontal disease with the following systemic conditions:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Respiratory illnesses
- Certain types of cancer
- Low birth-weight babies
When you protect your oral health, you protect your overall health. Regular brushing and flossing, professional dental cleanings, and infection control all contribute to a healthy, life-saving dental routine.
Periodontal Treatments
In its early stages, we can sometimes reverse periodontal disease altogether. In our Tuscaloosa, AL dental office, we have a highly skilled hygiene team who will treat your infections gently and thoroughly.
We begin with a periodontal evaluation. By using a special measuring device, we check for pocketing around your teeth. Your gums should fit snugly against your teeth, making a seal. When periodontal pocketing occurs, bacteria can collect in those pockets, creating a vicious cycle of infection and pain. Our hygienists will gently remove the bacteria, tartar, and plaque inside those pockets, sometimes placing a localized antibiotic to help with healing.
Once your teeth and gums are clean, we can recommend a periodontal treatment plan that will promote healthy gum tissue and eliminate your infection. Until you heal completely, you might benefit from more frequent visits to keep your infection at bay.
We will also share information and techniques to help with your home care. Even the most diligent brushers and flossers can benefit from a refresher course on good home care! If your child suffers from periodontal disease, we will share tips and tricks with you that can help restore your child’s health.
Call Today for a Periodontal Exam!
With modern dental techniques and our talented hygiene staff, we can have you back on track in less time than you might think! Call Mark Tickle, DMD, Family, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry today to schedule your next appointment!
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