Periodontal Threat

What are they?

Gum diseases always pose threat on anyone’s oral health. It starts from a simple gum inflammation but when not given immediate attention, the condition aggravates and results to serious illnesses that damage the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. Worst case scenario is tooth loss.Examples of gum diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis.

Where did they come from?

Our mouths are full of bacteria. From there, these bacteria mix with other food particles to form plaque. We can get rid of plaque by brushing and flossing. However, if the plaque is not thoroughly removed, it can harden and form tartar. Take note, brushing does not remove tartar unless you undergo oral prophylaxis.

How are these periodontal diseases treated?

The treatment for these types of diseases would vary depending on the severity of the disease. However, first goal of the treatment is to control the infection. This can be done by gradual behavior modification such as minimizing or completely getting rid of the smoking habit.

With the help of the dentist and periodontist, they can perform two methods of treating gum diseases. First is scaling - this scrapes off the tartar from above and below the gum line. The other one is root planing - this gets rid of the spots on the tooth where the germs accumulate. This procedure removes the bacteria that contributes to the occurrence of gum disease. In addition to the treatments, there are also medications available and as well as surgery.

How can we prevent gum diseases?

As what they often say, “an ounce of prevention is better than cure”, which is why most dentists always have these gentle reminders to their patients:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a flouride-based toothpaste.

• Do floss everyday.

• Visit the dentist regularly (at least twice a year) for routine check-up and cleaning.

• Eat a well-balanced diet.

• Avoid smoking.

What are the signs of Periodontal Disease?

If you experience any these following symptoms, better consult your dentist immediately.

• Bad breath that won’t go away.

• Painful chewing.

• Loose teeth.

• Tender or bleeding gums.

• Red or swollen gums.

• Sensitive teeth.

The dental community is still on the a continuous search for further promising ways of preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease. The team of Ft. Lauderdale dentists participates in this campaign against periodontal threats. You can visit www.sleepdentists.com for any pertinent information regarding available treatments on periodontal diseases.