Prevent Periodontitis and Keep Help More Than Your Teeth |
| Posted by Dr. Alan Pressman (dr.p.dmd) on Oct 29 2010 |
| Blog >> 2010 |
If your hands bleed when you wash them, you would see a doctor. If your teeth bleed when you brush them, you should see a dentist!
Periodontitis, commonly known as gum disease, afflicts roughly half of all Americans. Periodontitis is caused by bacteria that adhere to tooth surfaces. It is a bacterial infection of the gums, bones, and ligament that support the teeth.
Periodontitis is often silent and painless—most people don’t even know they have a problem. Some symptoms may tip you off: bad breath; red, swollen, tender gums that bleed when brushing or eating; recession of your gums (that is, too much tooth is showing above the gum line); and loose teeth.
Periodontal disease has been linked to increased inflammation and serious disease throughout the body. The chronic presence of the bacteria found in gum disease has been linked to increased risk of stroke, cardiac disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes, osteoporosis, and premature births and miscarriages. Recently, the chronic presence of the oral bacteria associated with periodontitis has been linked to a greater risk for Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss.
The first step in the treatment of periodontitis involves cleaning below the gum line using a procedure called scaling and root planing. This procedure involves using special instruments to mechanically remove plaque from below the gum line and may require anesthesia. Nitrous sedation and a topical anesthetic can help.
Proper oral hygiene must be maintained through regular dental visits. Dental scaling and prophylaxis every 6 months are recommended.
Flossing daily and brushing properly can prevent this dreadful problem if implemented early. The use of sophisticated electronic ultrasonic toothbrushes can do wonders. Using an antimicrobial mouthwash (containing a chemical called chlorhexidine gluconate) in combination with proper care can eliminate the disease but not all of the damage. The use of topical antibiotics on the affected area can stop or slow the disease process. Tetracyclines have been proven to effectively treat the bacterial colonization.
For people in advanced stages of periodontitis, flossing and brushing will not work. The only cure for gum disease is surgery. However, a visit to the periodontist isn’t dreaded today as it was in the past. A new procedure called LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is available. Using a laser, LANAP sterilizes the gunk around your teeth and causes new tissue to grow—a truly amazing feat.
To prevent periodontitis, have your teeth cleaned on a regular schedule. Regular trips to the dentist can keep your smile bright, your body healthy, and your mind sharp. Contact a dental professional today.
Last changed: Oct 29 2010 at 4:09 AM
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