What is Periodontal Disease?
Ready to reclaim your confident smile and say hello to a vibrant healthy mouth? Say goodbye to gum woes. Underneath your beautiful smiles lies a battleground where harmful bacteria, plaque, wages war on your dental health. The enemy in question is periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, a common but fairly preventable disease, is more than just bad breath or bleeding gums. Rather, it is a progressive condition that damages the tissues surrounding your teeth. If left unchecked, it can result in gum recession, bone loss and even tooth loss. But fear not! With the right knowledge and tools, you can conquer periodontal disease and unlock the secret to a confident, healthy smile!
Stages of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is characterize into three main stages: gingivitis, mild to moderate periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.
Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It is characterize by red, inflamed gums that bleed easily due to the buildup of plaque on the teeth and along the gum line. Typically, gingivitis can be resolved on its own with dental cleaning by a hygienist followed by proper brushing and flossing routine.
Mild to Moderate Periodontitis: The second stage of periodontal disease is mild to moderate periodontitis. For mild to moderate periodontitis, plaque at the gumline and underneath your gums have attacked the bone and ligaments surrounding your teeth resulting in your gums pulling away from your teeth and creating gum pockets. These gum pockets causes inflammation, bleeding, bad breath and tooth sensitivity due to your roots being exposed. Moderate periodontitis can be resolved with appropriate dental cleaning regimen and good oral hygiene routine at home.
Advanced Periodontitis: The last stage of periodontal disease is advanced periodontitis. Advanced periodontitis is characterize by deep gum pockets and heavy destruction of bone that holds your teeth in place. At this stage, the teeth are loose and may need to be removed.
The Oral-Systemic Connection
As the mouth serves as the gateway to the body, the presence of periodontal disease not only threatens the health of your teeth and gums but also poses significant risk to your systemic health in several ways:
Diabetes: If you have diabetes, taking care of your gums is crucial. Periodontal disease causes inflammation of your gums which activates and increases expressions of several proteins that suppress insulin pathway. By keeping your gums healthy, you are helping to keep your diabetes in check.
Respiratory Infections: Believe it or not, your oral health can affect your respiratory system too. Bacteria from periodontal disease can travel to your lungs and increase the risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia. By keeping your gums healthy, it can help you breathe easier.
Cardiovascular Disease: Although your heart and gums may seem world’s apart, they are more connected than you think. Bacteria present in periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in your blood vessels, leading to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. By maintaining healthy gums, you are not just protecting your smile but also your heart.
Prevention and Treatment
Fortunately, periodontal disease is highly preventable and treatable with proper oral hygiene and regular dental care. Some key strategies for prevent and treatment includes:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily to remove plaque and food stuck between your teeth
- Eating a balance rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to maintain the bone of your teeth
- If you smoke, quit.
- Visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and check ups
Welcome Smiles
At Welcome Smiles, we support your oral healthy journey. From comprehensive periodontal evaluations to personalized treatment plans, our experienced team is here to provide the care and support you need to manage periodontal disease effectively. We offer a range of services, including professional dental cleanings, scaling and root planing, and periodontal maintenance, all tailored to meet your unique needs. We are excited to introduce the state-of-the-art EMS AirFlow GBT system as the latest advancement in our cleaning services. Renowned for its cutting-edge technology, the EMS AirFlow GBT system is an exceptionally comfortable and effective solution for removing biofilm, stains, and young calculus both above and below the gum line. Ensuring your smile is always fresh and clean. Additionally, we provide educational resources and personalized guidance to empower you to take control of your oral health and prevent future issues. With our compassionate approach and state-of-the-art techniques, we commit to help you achieve a healthier smile and a brighter future.
Tags: Dental cleaning, Preventative dentistry, Complete oral exams, Home dental care education,