Your Periodontist in Waterford tailors treatment to your needs
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a condition in which the gums and supporting structures are infected. Gingivitis is actually the earliest stage of gum disease; the symptoms are usually so mild that the condition silently progresses. We encourage our patients to receive regular dental check-ups so that gum disease may be detected in this early stage, when it can be successfully treated for remission. Once infection has progressed past this initial stage, regular treatment is vital for management.
During routine dental evaluations, your dentist examines the gum tissue around teeth for signs of infection. Using a dental probe and gentle technique, the space between teeth and gums is measured. Healthy gums are spaced no greater than 3mm from teeth. A space greater than 3mm tells us that bacteria are invading the delicate tissues. Cleaning pockets formed around teeth is very difficult with regular oral hygiene, allowing bacteria to flourish in this area.
The treatment for gum disease is based on the severity of infection. One of the primary ways your periodontist in Waterford may address progressing gum disease is with scaling and root planing. Scaling, gently performed after the area has been numbed, removes plaque and tartar that have formed under the gum line. Once these bacteria-filled substances have been successfully removed, the root surface is smoothed in the root planing treatment. Smoothing the surface prevents further accumulation of plaque, and allows the healthy gum tissue to adhere to the tooth.
It is important to treat gum disease properly for the preservation of both oral and general health. Even more ideal is the prevention of gum disease through healthy lifestyle habits such as:
During routine dental evaluations, your dentist examines the gum tissue around teeth for signs of infection. Using a dental probe and gentle technique, the space between teeth and gums is measured. Healthy gums are spaced no greater than 3mm from teeth. A space greater than 3mm tells us that bacteria are invading the delicate tissues. Cleaning pockets formed around teeth is very difficult with regular oral hygiene, allowing bacteria to flourish in this area.
The treatment for gum disease is based on the severity of infection. One of the primary ways your periodontist in Waterford may address progressing gum disease is with scaling and root planing. Scaling, gently performed after the area has been numbed, removes plaque and tartar that have formed under the gum line. Once these bacteria-filled substances have been successfully removed, the root surface is smoothed in the root planing treatment. Smoothing the surface prevents further accumulation of plaque, and allows the healthy gum tissue to adhere to the tooth.
It is important to treat gum disease properly for the preservation of both oral and general health. Even more ideal is the prevention of gum disease through healthy lifestyle habits such as:
- Excellent, daily oral hygiene practices that include brushing teeth twice a day, for two minutes each time. Teeth can be brushed as often as after every meal. When brushing teeth, the brush should be held at a 45-degree angle against the gums, with gentle pressure applied in a circular motion. Every surface of the teeth needs to be cleaned. Flossing is an important part of oral hygiene, and should be done every day. If you do not floss, approximately 35% of the tooth is not cleaned. After brushing and flossing have been done, rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash keeps the mouth fresh and clean.
- Consuming healthy foods rather than processed foods containing high amounts of sugar reduces the food source for bacteria. Crunchy fruits and vegetables are great teeth-cleaners!
- Avoiding tobacco products is essential for gum health. Studies show that 50 percent of cases of chronic gum disease involve some sort of tobacco product.
- Regular dental check-ups are vital for optimal oral health, catching and treating any problems early.