The best way to fight gum disease with good oral hygiene and proper dentist care. While visiting the dentist may not be at the top of your priority list, it will help you prevent periodontitis and gingivitis.
Brushing your teeth alone may not remove the tartar build up in your mouth. This build up will result in inflammation in your gums that may affect the bone and tissues of your teeth. There are solutions for preventing gum disease in your mouth.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis can come in two forms; chronic and acute. The acute version is usually associated with infections, micro-organisms, or trauma. Inflammation around the gum area is causes by a bacteria biofilm, commonly known as plaque.
In the past, gingivitis was the first stage of gum or bone loss surrounding the teeth. Today, dental professionals recognize that gingivitis is reversible by oral hygiene and care.
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontal disease affects the bone and accompanying tissue. It’s characterized by the development of spaces between the tooth and gums. If the disease progresses it can lead to the loss of your teeth.
Though many adults have gingivitis, it doesn’t always develop into periodontal disease. The progression of gum disease results from many factors, including oral hygiene and genetics.
The biggest challenge with this disease is its “silent” nature. The disease may not cause pain and can progress unseen. So, in the early stages, your gums may bleed during toothbrushing. Which can mean as the disease advances and the gums deteriorate, the bleeding may stop and there may be no further signs until your teeth start to feel loose.
In most cases, periodontal disease responds to treatment.
How to Fight Gum Disease with Good Oral Hygiene and Proper Dentist Care
Plaque control is the most important way to fight gum disease and maintain good oral health. Plaque control is achievable in two ways: first, you must take care of your teeth and gums and second, you should visit Vance Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry for regular care. Dental care eliminates plaque retention factors and our office staff will advise you on the most appropriate oral health care.
Because it’s our responsibility to ensure that any dental treatment we provide minimizes plaque retention, our team offers clear advice on the best ways to clean bridges, dentures and orthodontic appliances.
Tartar is a form of hardened plaque, which can form on teeth both above gum level and within periodontal pockets. Tartar does not dissipate through brushing your teeth and flossing alone. You need careful professional scaling for removal.
If we do discover you have developed gum disease, we use ATRIDOX® (doxycycline hyclate). It’s an antibiotic (LAA) that we apply on the site of the infection. It’s placed below the gum line, which is where bacteria thrives and causes infection.
When treating our patients with adult chronic periodontitis, ATRIDOX is the only LAA that’s proven to achieve reduction in probing depths and bleeding.
This antibiotic treatment is a gel and stays in the mouth for about 2 weeks. The entire treatment process is simple and painless.
While appropriate professional treatment is vital, you can fight gum disease with good oral hygiene and proper dentist care. Take control of your dental health today and schedule an appointment to see your dentist.