Periodontal Maintenance Near Red Deer
Periodontal disease is caused when bacteria is allowed to settle below the gum line and become infected. The result can be tooth loss because the gums are no longer strong enough to hold the teeth in place. Eliminating all bacteria from the mouth is impossible, but good dental hygiene can keep bacteria from attaching to teeth and lodging in the gums.
Periodontal Disease
Bacteria finds its way into your gums and causes periodontal disease. Bacteria in your mouth can irritate your gums with the toxins it gives off. When your gums bleed easily, like during your daily brushing, it is probably a result of the bacterial irritation. The constant swelling of your gums eventually loosens their grip on your teeth. Bacteria can then get into pockets between your teeth and gums and become infected.
Preventing Periodontal Disease in Blackfalds
Plaque is the primary cause of periodontal disease. This build-up of bacterial film on the teeth that hardens over time puts bacteria in proximity to your gums. Once hardened, the plaque becomes tartar and can no longer be removed by simple brushing.
Tooth loss in adults over 35 can be attributed to periodontal disease more often than tooth decay. Approximately 75% of adults will face periodontal disease at least once in their lifetimes. Daily brushing and flossing, however, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent gum disease.
The Role of Oral Hygiene
Bacteria is a natural part of the environmental balance in your mouth, but too much bacteria can cause problems. Daily oral care keeps the bacteria count low, and more importantly, it prevents plaque from building up on your teeth. Even the most diligent oral hygiene routine cannot remove all the plaque from your teeth, though. Periodic professional cleanings can take care of any lingering plaque or any tartar that has developed.
Some people are more prone to periodontal disease due to:
- Stress
- Medication
- Grinding Teeth
- Diabetes
- Poor Nutrition
- Smoking
When periodontal disease begins, it requires professional treatment.
Gum Disease Treatment
When periodontal disease is caught early, there are several treatments that can be applied. Non-surgical treatments for periodontal disease can end the infection and help heal the gums. Your teeth can often be saved by the right treatment applied before periodontal disease progresses.
A deep cleaning that goes below the gum line can eliminate the offending bacteria. Called scaling or root planing, this procedure is done in our office near Red Deer without anesthesia. Some local numbing agent is applied to the gums so we can probe the pockets around your teeth and remove any build up.
With the porous tartar removed from below the gum line, the teeth are smooth and less likely to attract plaque. An antimicrobial substance may also be applied to help the gums heal. Sometimes an oral antibiotic is used in conjunction with scaling to fight the infection inside the tissue.
Contact Alpen Dental to learn more about periodontal disease and your treatment options. Schedule a consultation in Blackfalds or Rimbey today. 