Did you know that periodontal disease impacts millions of smiles in the United States? In fact, studies from the Centers for Disease Control show that 50% of adults over 30 suffer from some form of this serious oral health concern. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist talks about what you can do to protect your smile and avoid serious complications, including adult tooth loss!
The Causes of Periodontal Disease
How does the disease actually form? Well, trouble starts when the gum tissue becomes inflamed, also known as gingivitis. Inflammation could develop as a result of poor oral hygiene or a diet high in sugary and starchy foods and drinks, which could encourage plaque buildup, a sticky layer caused by bacteria that irritates the gingival tissues. Other factors may include smoking or tobacco use, family history or periodontal problems, inflammatory illnesses, or certain medications. Gingivitis can be reversed if caught in a timely manner, otherwise the inflammation will cause the gums to pull from the teeth and form pockets, which bacteria then infiltrate, leading to the onset of periodontal disease. Treatment is then needed to manage the disease and prevent the onset of adult tooth loss and other complications.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Always let us know when you experience any changes to your smile, such as redness or soreness in the gums, or bleeding when you brush and floss. Other symptoms could include swelling or receding gingival tissue. In the gingivitis stage, we can reverse the inflammation with a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and roots. If you have already developed the disease there is no cure, but routine care can help safeguard your smile’s overall health. If you attend regular checkup and cleaning visits, then our team can monitor your smile and watch for the earliest indicators of trouble!
Managing Your Oral Health
The deep cleaning we mentioned above involves the use of an ultrasonic scaling device to remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth and the surfaces of the roots. The procedure could take between one and four visits, depending on the extent of your buildup. We could also offer treatment by using the same technology employed to contour the gum line to remove the diseased tissue from your smile. Afterward, healthy gums can attach to the teeth, losing periodontal pockets and improving oral health. We may then recommend a routine visit for a cleaning every three to four months.
Do You Have Questions About Preventive Dentistry?
We can employ routine preventive care and other treatment options to help you continue to enjoy a healthy and whole smile for many years to come! For more information on our preventive and general treatment options, then schedule a consultation, call Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
