Periodontal Treatment: Don’t Let Gum Disease Steal Your Smile!
You may think good oral health is only related to your mouth, but the reality is that it can affect your entire body. If you have uncontrolled gum disease, the bacteria can seep into the bloodstream, creating an inflammation burden in the body. Without treatment, this persistent inflammation can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, preterm births, and other systemic diseases.
Faircourt Dental takes gum disease seriously because we understand it can have far-reaching consequences beyond the mouth. Dr. Sabrina Salim and the team offer periodontal therapy to reestablish your gum health. If you suspect gum disease, schedule an appointment with our Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, office.
What is periodontal disease?
Gum or periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and the surrounding structures. This infection forms when you fail to brush and floss your teeth. Poor oral hygiene leaves food debris in your mouth, which interacts with unwanted bacteria and saliva to form dental plaque. Over time, plaque inflames your gums, causing gingivitis—the earliest and mildest form of gum disease. Gingivitis causes minor symptoms like gum tenderness, redness, and bleeding, especially when brushing and flossing teeth.
Gum disease is a progressive oral condition. When you fail to treat gingivitis, the unwanted bacteria damage your periodontal ligaments, causing gums to pull away (recede) from the teeth. Gingival recession causes deep periodontal pockets that hide more bacteria and calcified deposits. Gum disease doesn’t stop here. The infection damages the teeth-supporting structures, eventually causing tooth loss. Fortunately, periodontal disease is manageable, even for complicated cases.
How is gum disease treated?
Dr. Salim takes a conservative approach to gum disease treatment. Gingivitis can be reversed with standard cleanings and diligent oral hygiene. However, the dentist recommends periodontal cleaning if the gum disease is past the gingivitis stage. This non-surgical treatment uses scaling and root planing (SRP) to clear the infection and allow the gums to reattach to the teeth.
Scaling uses manual instruments or an ultrasonic scaler to remove dental calculus (tartar) and bacterial toxins from the teeth’ surface and deep periodontal pockets. Next, the dentist smoothes (planes) the tooth roots to promote healing and prevent future infections.
If your gum disease doesn’t respond to non-surgical therapies, you may need surgical interventions, including gum flap surgery and grafting. Surgery may be intimidating, but don’t worry! Our team will guide you until you achieve optimal periodontal health.
Is gum disease preventable?
The best way to protect your gums from infections is through preventative dental care. Observe the following tips to protect your gums from gum disease.
- Brush and floss your teeth diligently
- Consider a medicated mouthwash
- Quit smoking
- Visit your dentist twice annually for regular cleanings and exams
- Manage systemic conditions like diabetes and depression
- Limit the intake of sugary foods
Take control of gum disease today!
Do you suspect gum disease? Take action today before this oral condition causes serious damage. Call (313) 889-7007 to schedule an appointment with Faircourt Dental, your trusted office for treating gum disease in Grosse Pointe Woods and the surrounding communities.
