It might be a surprise to you, but your gums are just as important to your oral health as your teeth. In fact, periodontal disease, is one of the most common preventable diseases we see in patients.
Your gums help to secure teeth in their sockets. The less healthy your gums are, the looser your teeth. Think of your gums like a sock. The should fit tightly around each tooth so as to prevent any particles from getting in and keeping the tooth stable.
When a person has periodontal disease they don’t follow proper oral hygiene techniques and end up suffering because their gums develop a persistent infection.
Can periodontal disease be reversed?
Periodontal disease cannot be reversed once it hits the second stage. In the first stage, gingivitis, you might notice red, bleeding gums. During this stage a good cleaning and a return to proper oral care can reverse the disease. However, the infection is so far gone in the second stage that management is the only option.
What are periodontal pockets?
Periodontal pockets are pockets in the gums that are formed when bacteria colonizes, feeds off of plaque, and releases toxins. Over time your gums loosen and form little pockets that are the perfect place for food particles to collect.
How is periodontal disease caused?
Periodontal disease is the direct result of poor oral hygiene and poor diet. Eating excess sugar, not brushing and flossing, and smoking and drinking all put you at an increased risk of developing the disease.
How do I treat periodontal disease?
The first step to treating periodontal disease is to get in to see Dr. Sadati and have a deep cleaning performed. During a deep cleaning we will scale and root plane to remove tartar and plaque. We also remove surface dentin, where bacteria tends to colonize and can only be removed through a process of scaling.
If you’re in the early stage of periodontitis, you’ll be able to get rid of the disease in its entirety and maintain a healthy mouth through regular brushing and flossing. If you’re further into the disease, then you’ll need regular care from Dr. Sadati to keep the disease from progressing any further and making sure you’re not suffering from any other secondary issues associated with periodontitis.
It’s important to remember that this disease is linked to additional health issues like diabetes and heart disease.
Contact us to learn more about how to treat periodontal disease and what options are available to you.
