The Fight Taking Place in your Mouth

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, can be caused by bad oral hygiene, some medications, smoking, stress, and genetics. It can cause bone damage, tooth loss, and is a contributing factor in diabetes, stroke and heart disease. The positive side to gum disease? It is most often preventable!

How Does Gum Disease Develop?

Although much progress has been made in raising awareness of dental health, and oral hygiene, gum disease is still very common. When essential oral hygiene habits are neglected, bacteria that exists in your mouth combine with the natural saliva and acids, and form a sticky, clear plaque on your teeth. Plaque that isn't removed by brushing and flossing eventually hardens to create “tartar” which cannot be removed by just brushing alone.

Without regular dental visits and an experienced dental hygienist, the tartar becomes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.  The growing bacteria attacks the soft tissue housing your teeth. Gums can become infected, sore, swollen and inflamed. As gum disease progresses, it wreaks havoc on the entire mouth structure causing bleeding gums, bad breath, and potentially tooth loss.

Gum Disease Treatments

Gum disease can be fought in many ways. Tackling it alone shouldn't be part of the plan. If you notice any of the symptoms outlined above, contact Orchid Dental and schedule an appointment for a checkup. Dr. Aryani will examine your gums to determine the severity of the infection and will advise you on the best possible solution.

Cleaning and Hygiene: For milder cases of gingivitis and gum disease, the infection may be dealt with by flossing and brushing, and with regular cleanings by a professional. For more advanced periodontal disease, your dentist may suggest a deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, in order to remove bacteria from below the gum line. New techniques and procedures include laser-assisted bacterial reduction therapies.

Medications and Mouthwash: Antimicrobial mouthwashes and antiseptic rinses can be prescribed to control bacteria while treatments are ongoing. Although effective in supporting other therapies, medications such as antibiotics, and antimicrobial mouthwashes cannot treat gum disease by themselves.

Surgery: Flap surgery, and bone and tissue grafts help repair some of the damage cause by gum disease. These procedures also reduce the periodontal pocket, encouraging healthy growth of tissue and bone, making it easier for the area to be kept clean.

Preventive Care

It’s important to understand how gum disease can ruin your smile. Practicing good hygiene habits is just a start - brush teeth twice a day and floss at least once. Mouthwash helps kill the germs too. Eat well, avoid sugary snacks and drinks, and be sure to visit your dentist every six months. Preventive measures are key components to fighting the bacteria war in your mouth.

Contact Orchid Dental to schedule an appointment today!