Gum disease and its more advanced form of periodontitis affect almost half of Americans over the age of 30 according to CDC research. As common as the condition is, tooth loss is often still an unfortunate outcome when left untreated.
Fortunately, with the many successful treatment options available today for severe periodontal disease, tooth loss doesn’t have to be the inevitable next step with an unhealthy oral environment.
What is Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease, or more commonly known as gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. The condition usually develops as a result of improper oral hygiene allowing an overabundance of bacterial plaque buildup to attach to teeth and harden. In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums, painful chewing, and eventually tooth loss.
How Periodontal Disease Affects Oral and Overall Health
When left untreated, gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, can progress into the more serious condition called periodontitis. Toxins from the bacterial plaque affect not only gum tissue but also the bone and supporting structures, eventually resulting in loose teeth.
Because of the gum-tissue separating from teeth, harmful bacteria can easily enter the bloodstream, possibly leading to other areas throughout the body. Recent medical and dental studies have shown that these toxins can contribute to other whole-body health conditions such as hard-to-control diabetes, cardiovascular issues, low birth weight infants, and even AIDS and HIV complications.
Treating Gum Disease
The first step in treating periodontal issues is to try and be as conservative as possible. Non-surgical techniques such as scaling and root planing involve removing the plaque and tartar off teeth and root surfaces by scaling. Then, the smoothing away of any roughness on the roots is performed to prevent bacteria from developing again.
Once this process is complete, the gums are given time to heal and reattach themselves to the healthy, clean surfaces of teeth. Typically, within two weeks, your dental professional will examine the healing and decide if further treatment is needed.
Anyone who has had treatment for periodontal disease knows that meticulous at-home oral hygiene is key to helping maintain optimal oral health and keeping gum disease from developing again.
At Owens Family Dental, our Destrehan dentists, Drs. Richard and Reid Owens are committed to helping patients achieve proper oral health by providing gum disease prevention and maintenance treatment. If you or a loved are experiencing gum-tissue discomfort, call our dental office today!