Each year, dentists treat more and more patients suffering from gum disease. Also known as periodontal disease, more than 65 million people in the United States have some form it, many of whom don’t even realize they have symptoms. If you think your teeth are the only aspects of your smile you need to keep healthy, you’ll be surprised to learn just how crucial this soft tissue is to your overall well-being. Read on to discover what your dentist in Salem has to say about what you can do to regain optimal gum health.
The Importance of Healthy Gums
Unfortunately, most people do not realize they have gum disease, simply because they do not recognize the many signs and symptoms. From red, puffy, and inflamed gums, to chronic bad breath or pus under the gum line, it’s often known as a “silent disease” because of the lack of pain a person feels in the early stages.
Maintaining healthy gums is important in order to keep your natural teeth for as long as possible. It also helps to prevent various health-related conditions that can have a negative impact on your body. Fortunately, your dentist in Salem can reverse gum disease if found in its early stages – gingivitis.
How Your Gums Impact Your Overall Health
When gingival tissue is infected with bacteria, your dentist will find plaque and tartar buildup around the gum line. If left untreated, the early stages can progress, leading to serious problems such as bone and tooth loss. While research between systemic diseases and periodontal diseases is ongoing, some studies indicate that severe gum disease may be associated with several other health conditions such as diabetes or stroke.
How Periodontal Therapy Works
To prevent further complications caused by gum disease, your dentist can offer gum disease therapy. Depending on the severity of your condition, they may recommend scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning. As the first step in treating periodontitis, which is an advanced form of gum disease, this procedure will help to control the infection.
The scaling portion of the procedure will remove tartar buildup from above and below your gum line, while root planing will smooth out the surface of the tooth root, helping to prevent future re-infection. This will also help your gums to reattach to your teeth. Should your dentist believe it’s necessary, they will suggest antibiotic therapy in addition to a deep cleaning.
If you suffer from gum disease, you can expect to receive periodontal maintenance every 3 to 4 months. This will allow your dentist to monitor your gum health and make sure there is no infection.
Ways to Keep Your Mouth Healthy
In order to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible, here are some tips to follow:
- Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day. If possible, try to floss after every meal.
- Limit the amount of sugar you are consuming, as it can lead to plaque buildup, resulting in gum disease and tooth decay.
- Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash twice a day.
- If you are unable to brush your teeth after meals, try to rinse your mouth with water.
- Maintain your regularly scheduled dental appointments.
It’s important to remember that everything you ingest passes through your mouth, so it’s no surprise that your oral and overall health are so closely connected. By continuing to seek treatment and maintain good oral hygiene practices at home, you can continue to enjoy a healthy lifestyle for years to come.
About the Author
Drs. Travis and Christel Cochell are a husband and wife team who own and operate Cochell Family Dentistry in Salem, Oregon. Offering patients personalized treatment options, they can help individuals who are suffering from gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, improve their oral and overall health. Gum disease therapy is a beneficial service that our dental professionals are skilled and equipped to provide. Should you believe you have the signs and symptoms associated with periodontal disease, contact us at (503) 585-8688.