Periodontal Care You need to take care of your gums at all times. The gums play an important role in support of the teeth and when they are healthy you will have a beautiful smile. The dentist will encourage you to bring each member of the family in to the dental office if they have issues with their gums. The gums are likely to get infections when plaque has accumulated in the mouth for too long. The acid in plaque makes the enamel of the teeth erode and this creates a cavity. Cavities affect even the gums, leading to periodontal gum disease. Our dental team at Canatella Dental will examine each member of your family for issues of gum disease.Gum DiseaseOnce you have periodontal (gum) disease, the gum tissue in the mouth is infected with plaque that has collected for a long time and hardened into tartar, therefore, causing the infection. Plaque and tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone, which is why you should see a dentist every six months for a professional cleaning. When you leave gingivitis untreated for too long it might lead to the more serious development of periodontal disease. You will also notice that you have bad breath that is not going away even after brushing and flossing. The gums will change color, bleed, become sensitive, recede, and be red, and they may also get inflamed. How to Prevent Gum DiseasePeriodontal disease can be avoided by getting regular dental checkups. The dentist can do exams, which means he or she can detect early oral health concerns. During a dental checkup, the dentist will check for oral issues, such as oral cancer during a head and neck exam. The dentist will also examine the teeth to see whether they have plaque or tartar. The dentist will professionally clean your teeth. You must floss and clean your teeth on a regular basis at home. Make it a habit to floss and brush your teeth at least twice a day. This is the best way of caring for your gums and teeth. Treatments for Gum DiseaseWhen gum disease has progressed, several treatments can be taken, such as flap surgery and bone grafting, which is performed when there is bone loss in the jaw. Gingivitis, the most common form of gum disease, is easily treated. Schedule regular dental cleanings and exams so that the dentist can detect any early signs. To keep your gums healthy, you should avoid certain habits such as smoking. Tobacco usage discolors and weakens the teeth. If you have bruxism, which is tooth grinding, your gums may become weak. LANAPLANAP® has made it much more enjoyable and easy for patients with gum disease to get the treatment they need. It is a minimally-invasive procedure that works using laser light to kill bacteria in the pockets of the gums, leaving only healthy tissue intact. LANAP® has been approved by the FDA and has been researched thoroughly. We are very pleased with the results that this provides our patients and hold it in high regard for the treatment of gum disease. Gums can be damaged by inadequate nutrition, in which the teeth and gums do not receive enough nutrients. Our dentists at Canatella Dental will ensure that your gums are well taken care of. Do not hesitate to call us at (504) 269-3486 if you have gum disease and we can get you on a periodontal maintenance schedule. |
