Gum disease is a familiar term that is often associated with poor brushing and
flossing routines. Gum disease is a
silent disease that penetrates deep into the soft tissue and effects tooth
roots and jaw bone health when left untreated.
How would you know if you are
affected by gum disease? Are you
familiar with the symptoms? If you are drawing a blank, chances are you stand
to gain from learning more about this very common disease, and what you can do
to prevent it!
Gum Disease - A Common Condition
Gum disease, also known as
periodontal disease, is caused by the colonization of disease causing bacteria
infecting the gums and soft tissue of the mouth. Disease causing bacteria are
always present in the mouth, and it is up to us to keep them at bay by
practicing good dental habits.
If we neglect our daily brushing
and flossing routine the bacteria known as plaque becomes a sticky film that
adheres to our teeth. Plaque hardens to become tarter. Tarter at the gum line affects the health of
the gum tissue. The tissue becomes inflamed, bleeds easily, and
will eventually begin to pull away from the teeth. This is our body’s immune response to protect
itself from infection. It’s important to
catch gum disease in the earliest stage (gingivitis), before it becomes
periodontitis. Periodontitis is related
to serious health conditions including congestive heart failure, diabetes, and
stroke.
An Ounce of Gum Disease Prevention
In the case of gum disease, an
ounce of prevention is certainly worth a pound of cure. This is because while
the earlier stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is treatable. The later more
aggressive stages (periodontitis and advanced periodontitis) cause irreversible
damage to the mouth and jaw structure. Professional organizations, such as the
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, recommend maintaining
preventive habits and cleanings. Brushing twice a day and flossing help prevent
disease-causing bacteria from setting up camp in the first place! However, no matter how well your oral hygiene
is your dental care provider is necessary to remove tarter and treat issues
before they have an opportunity to become a dental emergency. We recommend that patients visit their
dentists for cleanings two to three times a year.
Controlling the Infection
As gum disease progresses, it
wreaks more and more havoc on the mouth. In addition to swollen, bleeding gums,
there is a considerable amount of discomfort, pain and inconvenience that comes
with periodontal disease. Biting and
chewing may become difficult, and a person's overall well-being will be at risk
to increased chances of infection spreading through the body. At that stage,
the aim of gum disease
treatment is
to control the infection, and try to address some of the issues it has caused. This
may include deep cleanings, periodontal surgery or even extractions of hopeless
teeth. Metropolitan Periodontists, P.A.
will treat advanced gum disease with a laser procedure known
as LANAP and/or the use
of a PerioScope. At Metropolitan
Periodontists, P.A. we do our best to save teeth. If saving a tooth is not an option we are
able to provide patients other treatment plans that will best fit their needs.
Of course, any treatment means
patients themselves need to practice good dental hygiene and at-home care.
Changing behaviors, such as smoking, will also improve treatment outcome.
Metropolitan Periodontists, P.A., Mark M. Wilson wants
people to understand gum health. As a gum disease specialist, Dr. Wilson is
equipped to treat your gum tissue concerns. Our office is conveniently located
in Minneapolis and welcomes patients from the surround area. Contact us today!
