Gum Disease East Wenatchee WA Periodontal disease is one of the most frequently occurring conditions for all patients. When teeth are lost due to advanced gum disease, the remaining teeth want to shift and move into the empty space. If they are not stopped by either a dental procedure or a dental appliance properly placed, other complications can arise.What is Gum Disease?Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a set of inflammatory conditions and progressing stages that degrade the periodontium: the soft tissues and bone surrounding your teeth. The symptoms can range from sore gums to mouth ulcers and tooth loss. The inflammation of the gums or gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease, and without sustained oral hygiene, over time gingivitis will lead to recession of the gums, loss of teeth, or loss of supporting teeth bones. If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, schedule a check-up with Johnson Family Dental today. What Does it Mean When My Gums Bleed?Gums that bleed easily when flossing or brushing may be showing signs of gingivitis or other periodontal disease. Gingivitis is a milder periodontal disease and a first-stage gum disease. Symptoms can include red, tender, and swollen gums. Loss of gum attachment from teeth and bone loss are signs of more advanced gum disease and should be treated by a dental professional immediately. Gum Disease TreatmentThere are many treatments for gum disease depending on the stage of the disease, your health, lifestyle, and how you may have responded to earlier treatments. Treatments range from nonsurgical therapies to therapies that restore supportive tissues and reduce bacterial growth. Non-Surgical TreatmentsNon-surgical therapies include dental cleanings, where our dental hygienist will perform plaque scrapings that help prevent the buildup of bacteria and fight gum recession. Scaling and root planing is another nonsurgical therapy whereby plaque and tartar below the gum line are scraped away and the rough areas on the root of the tooth are made smooth. In some cases, nonsurgical therapies are all that is needed to treat gum disease. Surgical Treatments for Gum DiseaseSurgeries are needed when the tissues surrounding the teeth are unhealthy and cannot be repaired without surgery. Antibiotic treatments may be used alone or in combination with surgeries or other therapies. One effect of advanced gum disease is a loss of bone density in your jaw and alveolar ridge. This loss of bone density can result in less pronounced facial features and make you more susceptible to facial injuries. It can also make it difficult for our professionals to complete certain restorations, such as the placement of dental implants. An effective treatment method that our team uses to overcome these effects is a bone graft. A bone graft involves attaching bone fragments to your existing jawbone. Over time, these fragments will fuse with your jawbone and form a solid structure. The bone used for these grafts comes from either cadaver donors or synthetic bone material. Another procedure used to treat gum disease is a gingivectomy. A gingivectomy involves the removal of damaged gum tissue and the placement of new tissue with a soft tissue graft. The goal of this procedure is to remove infected tissue so that it prevents the spread of infection. The healthy grafted tissue will fuse with your remaining gum tissue and better support your teeth. Visit us at Johnson Family Dental to speak with our dentist about a treatment plan. How to Prepare for Treatment of Gum DiseaseJohnson Family Dental is prepared to perform most periodontal care procedures in our office. If you use tobacco consult our dentist about a potential treatment for ceasing your tobacco use. The time needed to perform the procedure, and the time needed to heal will vary from patient to patient depending on the type and extent of the procedure and the patient's overall health. Local anesthetics to numb the affected area before treatment may be used in some treatments. How To Prevent Gum DiseasePreventing gum disease involves maintaining good oral hygiene practices and adopting a healthy lifestyle. There are many key steps you can take to help prevent gum disease. Brush Your TeethBrush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush for at least two minutes, covering all surfaces of your teeth and gums. Floss DailyFlossing helps remove plaque and debris between your teeth and along the gumline, where your toothbrush may not reach effectively. Make it a daily habit. Use Antiseptic MouthwashRinse with an antiseptic or antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce plaque and gingivitis. Choose a product with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. Regular Dental Check-upsScheduling regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings with our dentist can help us detect early signs of gum disease and provide guidance on proper oral care. Healthy DietEat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit sugary snacks and beverages, as sugar can contribute to plaque formation. Stay HydratedDrink plenty of water to help flush away food particles and bacteria, and to keep your mouth moist. This is particularly important if you have dry mouth, as saliva helps protect against gum disease. Limit Alcohol ConsumptionExcessive alcohol consumption can contribute to gum disease. Drink alcohol in moderation or as recommended by healthcare professionals. Manage StressChronic stress can affect your immune system and increase the risk of gum disease. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as exercise, meditation, or deep breathing. Be Aware of Hormonal ChangesHormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause, can affect gum health. Be extra vigilant with oral hygiene during these times. Use a Therapeutic ToothpasteIf recommended by our dentist, use toothpaste with therapeutic ingredients, such as fluoride or an antibacterial agent, to help prevent gum disease. Protect Your Teeth from InjuryTake precautions to avoid trauma to your teeth, as injury can contribute to gum problems. Use a mouthguard during sports or activities with a risk of dental injury. By incorporating these habits into your daily routine and seeking professional dental care regularly, you can significantly reduce the risk of gum disease and maintain good oral health. If you notice signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, swelling, or persistent bad breath, consult with us promptly for appropriate treatment. Tobacco Use Causes Gum DiseaseThe American Dental Association advises that cigarette smoking can lead to a variety of adverse oral effects, including gingival recession, impaired healing following periodontal therapy, oral cancer, mucosal lesions, periodontal disease, and tooth staining. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking lowers the immune system, making a person more prone to gum disease. The use of smokeless tobacco also has negative oral effects, including gingival keratosis, gingival recession, and enamel erosion. Gum Disease East Wenatchee WAPreventative measures are a vital part of combating potential infections both in the mouth and in the rest of the body. As most patients realize, through regular exercise and proper diet the body can be helped to stay healthy and strong. This is the same for dental health too. By brushing and flossing, the oral cavity can be kept clean and healthy. Patients should also have regular examinations and cleanings performed as well. Please contact our office at Johnson Family Dental to schedule your appointment or give us a call at (509) 886-8833. |
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