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Periodontal Care Mesa & Scottsdale AZ |
Maintaining good oral health is essential for a radiant smile and overall well-being. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a prevalent condition affecting millions worldwide. Understanding gum disease, its causes, prevention strategies, and available treatments is crucial to ensure your gums stay healthy.
At East Valley Implant & Periodontal Center, under the care of Dr. Todd Jorgenson, you can receive expert guidance and top-notch periodontal care.
How Do You Get Gum Disease?Gum disease, encompassing gingivitis and periodontitis, can develop due to a combination of factors. Understanding the causes and risk factors is crucial in preventing this common oral health issue.
Gingivitis - The Early Stage of Gum Disease
Gingivitis is the initial and milder form of gum disease. It typically arises due to the accumulation of plaque—a sticky, bacteria-laden film on the surfaces of teeth and along the gum line. Several crucial factors contribute to the development of gingivitis.
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Poor Oral Hygiene
Inadequate or inconsistent brushing and flossing routines create an ideal environment for gum disease to take root. When proper oral hygiene practices are neglected, plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulates on teeth and gums. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which cannot be removed by regular brushing, providing a fertile ground for harmful bacteria to thrive.
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Tobacco Use
Smoking and tobacco products exacerbate gum problems due to the adverse effects of nicotine and other chemicals. These substances constrict blood vessels in the gums, impeding their ability to heal properly. Moreover, tobacco weakens the immune system's response to bacterial infections in the mouth, making it challenging to combat gum disease effectively.
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Dietary Choices
Diets rich in sugar and carbohydrates promote plaque formation, a primary contributor to gum disease. Sugary and starchy foods nourish harmful oral bacteria, which multiply and produce acids that attack tooth enamel and irritate the gums.
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Medical Conditions
Certain conditions, such as diabetes, compromise the body's immune response, making it easier for gum infections, including gingivitis, to take hold. In diabetes, fluctuations in blood sugar levels can impair the body's ability to fight off infections and slow down the healing process, increasing the risk of gum disease. |
Periodontitis: Advanced Gum Disease
Periodontitis is a more severe and advanced stage of gum disease. It occurs when the inflammation spreads deeper into the supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontitis can occur due to the following.
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Untreated Gingivitis
Periodontitis often begins as untreated gingivitis. When gingivitis persists without intervention, it advances to periodontitis.
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Bacterial Invasion
In periodontitis, the harmful bacteria in plaque and tartar spread deeper into the pockets between teeth and gums. These pockets become a haven for bacterial growth and infection.
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Inflammation and Tissue Damage
The body's natural response to bacterial infection is inflammation. However, in periodontitis, this response becomes chronic and excessive. As a result, the inflammation starts to damage the supporting structures of the teeth, including the bone and connective tissues.
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Gum Pocket Formation
As periodontitis progresses, gum tissue may pull away from the teeth, forming deeper pockets. These pockets can trap more bacteria, making maintaining proper oral hygiene and controlling the infection difficult.
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Gum Recession
As the gum tissue recedes, it exposes the tooth roots. This can increase tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures and make the teeth appear longer than usual. |
 How to Prevent Gum DiseasePreventing gum disease is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health and preserving your smile. Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk of gum disease development and progression.
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Prioritize Excellent Oral Hygiene
Maintaining a consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine is the cornerstone of preventing gum disease. Follow these guidelines:
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Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to brush for two minutes, covering all tooth surfaces.
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Don't forget to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove bacteria.
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Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth and the gum line. Proper flossing helps prevent the formation of gum pockets. |
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Use an Antiseptic Mouthwash
Incorporating an antiseptic or antimicrobial mouthwash into your daily routine can help kill bacteria and reduce plaque buildup. Consult with our dentist to choose an appropriate mouthwash for your needs.
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Adopt a Balanced Diet
Your diet plays a significant role in oral health. Consume a diet that consists of:
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Fruits and vegetables, provide essential vitamins and minerals
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Lean proteins, which promote tissue repair
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Whole grains, which are less likely to contribute to plaque buildup
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Limit your intake of sugary and starchy foods, as they provide fuel for harmful oral bacteria |
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Avoid Tobacco Products
Quitting smoking or using tobacco products is one of the most effective ways to prevent gum disease. The negative impact of tobacco on gum health is well-documented. Seek support and resources to quit if you are a tobacco user.
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Regular Dental Checkups
Schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings with our dentist or periodontist. These visits allow for the early detection of gum disease and ensure that any issues are addressed promptly. |
Treatment for Gum DiseaseWhile prevention is the best strategy, if gum disease does develop, prompt and effective treatment is essential to prevent further damage and restore oral health.
Gingivitis Treatment
Gingivitis can usually be reversed with proper dental care. Treatment focuses on improving oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning. Professional dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup. Dentists may recommend an antiseptic mouthwash. Regular dental checkups are crucial to monitor gum health and provide guidance. With these measures, gingivitis can often be managed and prevented from progressing to more severe gum disease.
Periodontitis Treatment
Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease that may require more comprehensive treatment. The specific treatment plan will depend on the severity of the condition and its impact on your oral health. Treatment options for periodontitis include:
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Scaling and Root Planing
This non-surgical procedure removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and beneath the gum line. The roots of the teeth are also smoothed to prevent future plaque buildup.
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Antibiotics
Sometimes, our dentist may prescribe antibiotics to control bacterial infection. These may be taken orally or applied directly to the affected areas.
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Surgical Procedures
In advanced cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Procedures such as flap surgery, in which the gums are lifted to access and clean the roots of the teeth, or bone grafting to restore lost bone tissue, may be performed.
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Laser Therapy
Some periodontists use lasers to remove infected tissue and promote healing.
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Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance
After treatment, regular follow-up appointments are crucial. Periodontal maintenance involves professional cleanings and assessments to monitor and maintain gum health. These appointments are typically more frequent than regular dental checkups to prevent the recurrence of gum disease. |
Importance of Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance is a vital component of gum disease management, especially for those with a history of periodontitis. It helps ensure that the disease remains under control, prevents further damage, and preserves the health of your gums and teeth.
Periodontal Gum Treatment in Scottsdale, AZTo book a consultation and a periodontal assessment, contact (480) 900-2771 today! |
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