Gum disease is very serious business and should be avoided at all costs. Some people are still susceptible, and Germantown Dental Group is here to help. Today, we’ll answer this question: How can I manage gum disease for optimal oral health?
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. It is typically caused by bacterial plaque buildup along and under the gumline. Gum disease progresses in two main stages:
- Gingivitis: The early stage of gum disease is characterized by inflammation of the gums due to excess plaque buildup. Common symptoms include redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums during brushing and flossing. This stage is reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings.
- Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, the inner layer of the gum and bone can pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. Over time, as the body’s immune system fights the bacteria and toxins from these pockets, bone and connective tissue are gradually broken down. This can eventually lead to tooth loss if not treated promptly.
How Laser Dentistry Helps
If you have gum disease at an advanced stage, we offer a treatment that can help immensely. Dr. Whittemore, Dr. Gruen, and our exceptional team of experts utilize the Picasso™ Diode Laser for this purpose—a method that many other practices don’t offer.
Here are some of the many benefits of this treatment:
- Bacterial Reduction: Our lasers can selectively target and eliminate bacteria in periodontal pockets that are difficult to clean with traditional methods. This helps to reduce infection and promote healing.
- Gum Tissue Removal and Reshaping: The handheld laser precisely removes diseased gum tissue and reshapes the gums. This allows for better access for thorough cleaning post-treatment and reduces pocket depths where bacteria thrive. This reshaping also improves the appearance of your smile.
- Gum Regeneration: Certain types of lasers can stimulate gum tissue and bone regeneration by promoting the growth of new gum tissues, collagen fibers, and bone. This helps regenerate and restore healthy gum attachment to the teeth.
- Accuracy and Precision: Dental lasers can treat areas of infection without affecting surrounding healthy tissue. This precision contributes to positive treatment outcomes and reduces the risk of complications.
- Minimally Invasive: Laser treatment is a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods. It results in less discomfort, swelling, and bleeding, with faster healing times and reduced recovery periods.
Prevention of Gum Disease
As with many conditions, prevention is key. Germantown Dental Group has some great tips for managing and preventing this disease.
- Proper Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. It’s key to brush all the way to your gum line, as well as to floss and use mouthwash to reduce plaque and prevent gingivitis.
- Regular Office Visits: It’s important to remain diligent in your appointments with us because we provide you with professional cleanings and examinations. These cleanings are particularly beneficial, removing tartar and plaque that your regular routine can overlook.
- Healthy Diet: Foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and vitamin C, can support healthy gums and teeth. It’s also crucial to limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks.
- Avoid Tobacco Use: Smoking is detrimental on many levels regarding your health, and this extends to the risk of gum disease. Quitting tobacco use can significantly improve your overall health and oral health.
- Manage Conditions: If you have diabetes, be sure to manage your blood sugar levels, as uncontrolled diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease. Other conditions can affect oral health, so be sure to discuss them with your provider.
- Stay Hydrated: This is another tip that’s important to your holistic health, but it has a great effect on your gums and teeth. Drinking plenty of water stimulates saliva production and washes away food particles and bacteria.
- Be Mindful of Medications: Certain medications can cause dry mouth, which makes you more susceptible to gum disease. Our professional team can help you manage this issue and discuss how it might relate to your gum disease symptoms.
The Best of the Best
Our office stands out for many reasons—an all-star dental team, advanced treatment options, and spectacular customer service. This extends to our approach to gum disease as well. Regardless of where you stand with this condition, we will help guide you in the right direction, whether that’s towards recovery or prevention. Our Germantown office is a special place, and we can’t wait to see you here.