Before brushing or flossing, do you notice that your gums appear red, puffy, and begin to bleed? What about that tooth that seems to be much looser than before? It could be that you are suffering from periodontal disease, the number one cause for tooth loss and most damaging dental problem Americans face. If you are looking for ways to prevent and/or maintain this unfortunate disease, let a dentist in Gainesville explain.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, which is also known as gum disease, is one of the most common problems seen by dentists. If you are not brushing twice a day for two minutes or flossing, you may notice your gums turning red, becoming inflamed, and starting to bleed. This means you are in the mild stages of the disease (gingivitis). Luckily, this can be easily treated by you and your dentist with regular dental cleanings and good at-home dental habits.
If your dentist notices that your gums are moving away from your teeth, creating pockets, you could be experiencing periodontitis, a much more aggressive form of periodontal disease. This leads to bone and tissue loss if gingivitis is not treated properly or quickly enough, which can result in tooth loss.
How Can I Prevent It?
The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to first and foremost, maintain good dental habits. Regular brushing and flossing will prevent bacteria from growing and causing cavities or gum disease. Also, going to the dentist every six months for a dental cleaning will prevent periodontal disease.
Your dentist can recommend certain toothpaste that can help prevent gingivitis, so be sure to ask when you arrive for your dental appointment.
If I Have It, How Do I Maintain So It Doesn’t Worsen?
If you have gum disease in Gainesville, your dentist will probably suggest a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. Attacking the disease at the source, your dental hygienist will begin with scaling. This will remove any plaque and tartar buildup around the gum line. Next, he or she will perform a root planing, which is a smoothing of the tooth surface. Other treatment options include:
- Antibiotic Therapy: Applying a topical antibiotic to your gums can help to fight infection. Your dentist may use Arestin, which is a powdery substance that will harden and slowly dissolve over seven days, allowing the medicine to reach the bacteria.
- Gum Surgery: If infection causes damage to your gums, you may need a gingivectomy to remove infected tissue. This procedure cleans below the gum line, removing bacteria and scaling tooth roots.
- Regenerative Procedures: Bone and tissue damage can lead to necessary bone grafts to remove the infection.
Patients with periodontal disease will typically need to visit the dentist more often than every six months to make sure no bacteria is growing and gums are in good condition. Don’t let periodontal disease worsen. Talk to your dentist in Gainesville about treatment options today.
About the Author
Dr. Gabriel Nossa earned two degrees from the University of Florida – a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a D.M.D from the College of Dentistry. He also completed an advanced education in General Dentistry residency, sponsored by the University of Florida College of Dentistry. He and his team will go out of their way to ensure your needs are met. Through personalized visits, they will provide you with a quality experience that cannot be found anywhere in Gainesville. To find out more, contact their office at (352) 332-8133.