Gum disease impacts millions of people in the United States, and the advanced stages could mean the onset of periodontitis and with it, adult tooth loss. But could Brighton, MA, residents take steps to avoid this disease? Is gum disease preventable? In today’s blog, we’re going to look at the causes of the disease, and what you can do to safeguard your smile.
What Causes the Disease?
The problem starts with inflammation. When your gums become inflamed, this eventually causes the tissues to pull away for the teeth, forming pockets at the gum line that harmful bacteria can enter, leading to the onset of periodontal disease. Once gum disease develops, there is no cure. Warning signs tend to include sudden changes to the smile, such as sore and red gums, bleeding when brushing and flossing, or recession and swelling. Factors behind the initial inflammation vary, but often include poor oral hygiene, which allows plaque to form and inflame the tissues, as well as certain medications, inflammatory illnesses, family history of poor periodontal health, and tobacco use.
Prevention at Home and in Our Office
To prevent the disease, you need to avoid the onset of inflammation. To start, don’t smoke cigarettes and use other tobacco products. Let your dentist know if you have an inflammatory illness or take medications linked to periodontal issues. Be sure you start each day by brushing your teeth for two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste, and do the same at the end of the day. You also need to floss each night to remove the bits of food a toothbrush cannot, which limits the risk of inflammation. Finally, be sure you’re visiting our office every six months so we can perform a thorough cleaning, which involves removing all plaque and tartar from the teeth to prevent disease.
Treatment Options
In the inflammation stage, we can recommend a deep cleaning known as a scaling and root planing. The treatment removes all plaque and tartar from the teeth and the roots as well. This treatment can reverse inflammation or help manage the early stages of the disease. For more serious cases, our on-staff Periodontist can actually perform gum surgery to remove infected and diseased tissue, allowing healthy gums to adhere to the teeth and reducing the depth of periodontal pockets in the process. If you have any questions about protecting your smile, of if you feel you need to contact our team for a cleaning or a diagnosis, then please contact our office today.
Do You Have Questions About Periodontal Health?
With preventive care, advanced treatments, and information about improved homecare, our team can help you avoid a serious oral health problems. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling Brighton Family Dental Group in Brighton, MA, today at (617) 562-5210. We proudly welcome patients from Brookline, Newton, and all surrounding communities.
