Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease and pyorrhea, is a common problem in the United States, especially in the aging population. The disease process is an inflammation process caused by plaque in the mouth over time. The more time the mouth is exposed to plaque, the greater the likelihood of developing periodontal disease. As our population has continued to age more rapidly than ever before, we are now seeing a proportional increase in periodontal disease diagnosis in patients. If you think you may need to be evaluated for gum disease and periodontitis, please contact Simply Smile today to set up an appointment,
Even though you are given a diagnosis of periodontal disease, this is not a death sentence for your teeth. Although the cases of periodontal disease in the country are increasing, so are the number of people that are living their entire life with their natural teeth. Wait. What? Yes, people are living the last tens of years of their lives with a disease process that was previously terminal for teeth with little change to their life. How you may ask?
There are many ways to treat periodontal disease. The oldest and easiest way to treat periodontal disease was tooth extraction. In many ways, this still is; however, this leaves the patient with a less-than-adequate replacement for a tooth, such as dentures. Other than removing the tooth, we have many treatment options to retain your tooth or teeth for the rest of your life, if you get evaluated soon enough. Time is of the essence. If you think you need a periodontal examination, please call us at Simply Smile today to schedule an appointment.
The best treatment for periodontal disease, however, is no treatment at all. That is prevention. How does one prevent periodontal disease? Much like all of the other dental diseases, home care and prevention are much the same. These equate to one word. Cleanliness. Plaque is pretty much the cause of most dental diseases that can be prevented by patients with home care. Plaque can be removed easily at home and with the assistance of the Simply Smile dental team at regular intervals. A regular home routine of brushing at least twice a day at home with an American Dental Association(ADA)-approved toothpaste, and flossing and rinsing with ADA-approved floss and dental rinse at least once per day will get you started nicely. This, in conjunction with a regular home care routine developed with your Simply Smile team member according to your periodontal disease status, and you should be well on your way to keeping your teeth as long as possible. If you have gum concerns, come see us today and let’s have a chat!