TREAT GUM DISEASE MOBILE AL - PERIODONTAL TREATMENTS

PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Proper at-home care can go a long way in ensuring a lifetime of healthy, bright, white smiles. In order to achieve this, brushing twice a day, along with flossing and rinsing, is a must. With that said, at-home care isn’t enough. Trips to the dentist for cleanings and checkups are required. Even if you do a good job at home, you may not do a perfect job and may develop gum (periodontal) disease. If not treated, gum disease can worsen and threaten your teeth and gums.

Periodontal disease is caused by infection of the gums and bone surrounding and supporting the teeth. Usually painless, periodontal infections can occur at any age and usually progress slowly, sometimes completely unnoticed by the patient. That is why check-ups are important to prevent tooth loss.
The bacteria that cause periodontal disease are called “plaque”. It is a white, sticky film that forms on the teeth. This bacterium produces acid and other toxins that irritate the gums and bone, and also cause cavities.
If this plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth, it will start to harden, which is called “tartar”. When soft and sticky, it can be brushed away, but once it becomes hard, it needs to be removed at a dental office. This is why periodontal cleanings, check-ups, and deeper teeth cleanings (called scaling and root planing) are so important if you want to keep your teeth. Also, when problems are caught early, it reduces the expense of treating them. More advanced cases, or patients needing specialized care, will be referred to a periodontist, dentists who specialize in periodontics alone.

West Mobile Dental Care is conveniently located in Mobile, AL, but proudly serves Daphne, Prichard, Montrose, Fairhope, Tillman’s Corner, and other neighboring communities.

WARNING SIGNS


If you notice any of the following conditions, see your dentist immediately:

  • Gums that bleed easily.
  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Pus between the teeth and gums when pressed.
  • Frequent bad breath or bad taste.
  • Loose permanent teeth.
  • Any change in your bite.

Many times, periodontal disease will not have any of the warning signs or symptoms. That’s why regular check-ups are important.

PREVENTING PERIODONTAL DISEASE


Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day, especially before bedtime. Use of a rechargeable electric toothbrush, such as Oral-B or Sonicare, is recommended. These do a much better job of removing plaque than a manual toothbrush.
Carefully clean between the teeth with dental floss once a day.
Dry mouth from medication, diabetes, smoking, gastric reflux, and other conditions can make you more susceptible to dental problems. Don’t hesitate to discuss with your dentist if more aggressive measures might be appropriate in protecting your oral health.

HEART DISEASE WARNING


Medical research has suggested a relationship between periodontal disease and coronary heart disease, which is extremely serious and worrisome. Data suggests chronic periodontal disease can lead to inflammation by releasing bacteria into the bloodstream, which in turn attaches to the walls of the coronary arteries. This is another reason to address periodontal disease as soon as possible and not allow it to worsen.