Prevent Periodontal Disease

Periodontal or gum disease has been called the Silent Disease because initially there are no symptoms. If your gums are red, sometimes bleed when you brush, feel tender, or look swollen ... these are symptoms of periodontal disease. If your mouth tastes unpleasant ... that’s another symptom. If your gums have receded ...you may have had gum disease for some time. Receding gums, and bone and tooth loss, are unattractive alternatives to healthy gums. But there’s more at stake! Gum disease has been linked to cardiovascular and other systemic diseases.

• Studies have found oral bacteria from gum infections in arterial plaque, and have also shown that therapy for Periodontal disease lessens inflammation throughout the body.
• Poor oral health has been identified as a stronger predictor of heart disease than other risk factors such as low levels of good cholesterol, high levels of a clotting agent, and high levels of certain fats in the bloodstream.
• Long-term and short-term studies continue to clarify the links between oral bacteria, inflammation, and systemic diseases.
• The mouth is the gateway to the body that you cannot be healthy without oral health, and that oral and general health are inseparable. Together, we can prevent and sometimes reverse gum disease. Brush, floss, and be sure to keep regular preventive, diagnostic, and maintenance and dental appointments.

While there may be several new innovative treatments for periodontitis on the horizon, the best thing you can do is to not let the disease get to this stage. If you notice that your gums are red or bleeding, the best thing to do is to maintain a health oral care regimen: brush, floss and rinse at least two times per day. A healthy diet can also aid in beating gingivitis. And make sure you see your dentist as well as the hygienist on regular basis He or she can always offer the best course of treatment for any dental issue.

A dental Hygienist is your ally for more than just a cleaning If you take good care of your teeth, you’ll probably spend less time in our office getting fillings and more time with our hygienist. And even though most patients usually refer to this time as a cleaning, it’s important you realize that oral hygiene appointments routinely include the following services.

Diagnostic: This means examination of your teeth to find decay, cavity-detecting radiographs, and an assessment of your gum tissue. Our Preston hygienist also looks at your biting, chewing and swallowing patterns, reviews your medical history and reassesses your overall treatment, evaluating areas such as cosmetic enhancements for your smile.

Preventive: This could mean screening for oral cancer, checking blood pressure, and applying fluoride and pit and fissure sealants. The hygienist also cleans and scales teeth to remove plaque, tartar and surface stains, and polishes fillings and crowns.

Educational: This could include brushing and flossing instruction, nutrition counseling, explanations of dental treatment, and answers to questions about future treatment such as orthodontics and periodontal therapy.  So there’s no such thing as just a cleaning. And remember: no matter how much we can do for your teeth, the most important part is what you do for your teeth at home. Dental hygienist services begin in our office, but they must always be followed by proper brushing, flossing, and healthy eating at home. If you are not sure how, ask your hygienist at your next appointment.

Most people usually don't show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s.  Men are more likely to have gum disease than women.  Although teenagers rarely develop periodontitis, they can develop gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease.  Most commonly, gum disease develops when plaque is allowed to build up along and under the gum line.

When considering any extensive dental treatment options, you should think about getting a second opinion from your local experienced dentist in Preston.

Gum disease is not curable but it is preventable and controllable. As we cannot usually feel or notice the onset of gum disease, very patient should be checked for gum disease as part of their routine dental check up.