Why Periodontal Care Matters

You might be surprised to learn that your oral health is connected to your overall health. Research has found that periodontal disease can lead to other diseases such as diabetes, heart disorders, respiratory ailments, and other health issues. This should be reason enough to want to take care of your periodontal health, and Image Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is here in SW Calgary, AB to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a pathological inflammatory condition that affects the gum and bone support (periodontal tissue) surrounding the teeth. Several factors contribute to the development of periodontal disease, particularly the accumulation of plaque and tartar on the gum line. Smoking, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and misaligned teeth are other major risk factors.

Periodontal disease can be localized to a few teeth or may affect the entire mouth. Symptoms include red and swollen gums, bleeding during brushing or flossing, and bad breath. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis and is the most treatable. If left untreated, it could advance to a more severe stage, which could potentially lead to gum recession and even tooth loss.

The tools to fight against periodontal disease

Prevention is really the best tool to fight periodontal disease. The teeth and gums must be kept clean to keep them in good health. This requires brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Rinsing with a mouthwash is also recommended because it helps to clean beyond the gum line. Still, there will be areas that brushing and flossing can miss, which is why professional cleanings must also be a part of an oral hygiene routine to fight against gum disease. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that every individual should have a dental exam and cleaning once every six months. Dental cleanings at Image Dental include a thorough examination of the mouth, during which we will check the teeth and gums for signs of problems.

Treatment

If you have developed gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease, a treatment known as a scaling and root planing will usually be used to restore the gums to health. In this procedure, the teeth are cleaned of plaque and tartar past the gum line and then the tooth roots are smoothed to discourage bacteria from collecting there again.

For more advanced cases of periodontal disease (periodontitis), there are several treatments available; the method selected will depend on the severity of the condition and the extent of damage. Treatments include surgical therapy like flap surgery, laser therapy, and gum graft surgery.

Periodontal care is important

A lot is affected by the health of your teeth and gums. Because it takes so little to protect them from disease, periodontal care should be a priority in your health care routine. Be sure to brush and floss daily, and contact Image Dental in SW Calgary, AB for a dental cleaning.