Oral health is an integral component of overall well-being, yet one aspect that often goes unnoticed is gum health. Contrary to popular belief, periodontal disease is more common than you might think. In today’s blog, your Garland, TX, dentist dives into its prevalence, explores prevention methods, discusses treatment options, and sheds light on the causes behind this often-overlooked condition.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, refers to an infection that affects the gums and surrounding tissues that support your teeth. It typically occurs due to poor oral hygiene practices, leading to the accumulation of bacteria-infested plaque and tartar. Gradually, this buildup causes inflammation, infection, and ultimately, damage to the gums and bone structure supporting the teeth. If you start to notice your gums bleeding when you brush, you may need to look deeper into the cause.
Gum Disease is Common
Shocking as it may be periodontal disease is incredibly prevalent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of American adults aged 30 or older have some form of periodontal disease. Additionally, among adults aged 65 and older, that number rises to over 70%. Our office takes this widespread oral health issue seriously.
Protect Yourself
Preventing periodontal disease is essential for maintaining good oral health. Here are some effective strategies:
1. Proper Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and use dental floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
2. Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and comprehensive oral examinations. This allows for early detection and intervention if any signs of periodontal disease are present.
3. Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Adopt a well-balanced diet, limit sweets and sugary beverages, avoid tobacco products, and manage stress levels to reduce the risk.
4. Control Inflammatory Disease: Monitor and control systemic diseases like diabetes and heart disease as they exacerbate infections.
How We Treat Gum Disease
If gum disease develops despite preventive measures, several treatment options are available. Deep Cleaning is a non-surgical procedure that removes bacteria, plaque, and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots to facilitate gum healing and re-attachment. With the deep cleaning, we often prescribe antimicrobial rinses to facilitate healing. If your disease has advanced, you may require surgical intervention to repair damaged gum tissue or reshape the bone. If teeth have been lost, dental implants can restore oral health and provide a stable solution for the remaining bone.
Schedule Your Check-Up Today
By cultivating awareness and understanding of periodontal disease, we hope to empower our patients to take control of their oral health. Our goal is to create healthier smiles and enhanced overall well-being. Call our Garland, TX office today at (972) 530-0552 and see if you need teeth whitening.
