Periodontal Care
Athens, AL
 While many patients struggle with being diagnosed with periodontal disease and immediately picture expensive and invasive procedures, they worry about them being painful too.
While in some cases surgical treatments are warranted, there are plenty of other cases where they are not. While the disease does its absolute best to completely destroy the soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity, there are many cases when gum disease is caught early enough to avoid those kinds of treatment. Also, if it's caught in the earliest stages, it can be cured.
Any patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease or think they may have the disease should contact Singing River Dentistry in Athens, AL today. We can perform an evaluation and determine what stage the disease is in so we can make the appropriate periodontal care treatment recommendations.
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Periodontal Maintenance Therapy
Periodontal disease is also called gum disease, and it arises when you get infections. If identified early enough and treatment begins, you may aid in preventing extra injury and stop the condition from spreading and deteriorating.
Our dental professionals at Singing River Dentistry have the relevant expertise and experience necessary to deliver superior periodontal maintenance and treatment.
Comprehensive Guide to Periodontal Disease Prevention
Preventing periodontal disease begins with diligent dental hygiene. This includes brushing teeth at least twice daily and flossing each night to remove plaque from between the teeth and along the gumline.
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential for detecting early signs of periodontal disease and removing plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing alone cannot.
A balanced diet rich in vitamin C and calcium supports gum maintenance and enhances the body's ability to fight infections. Patients should avoid tobacco use, manage systemic conditions such as diabetes, and reduce stress, as these factors significantly affect gum health. By incorporating these preventive strategies into their daily routines, patients can significantly lower their risk of developing periodontal disease and ensure long-term overall health.
Common Causes of Gum Disease
Everyone has been told they need to brush and floss every day in order to avoid getting cavities. While this is true, brushing does decrease the chances of getting cavities, it also does something else. We all have bacteria in our mouths that aids in digestion by helping to break down food debris in the oral cavity.
This is just one reason why patients need to remember to brush and floss at least two times every day so the bacteria can be appropriately removed, and the level of bacteria remains at a safe level. Without doing this, patients are setting themselves up to develop periodontal disease.
There are multiple factors which can influence the likelihood of patients getting gum disease. These can include smoking cigars, cigarettes, pipes, or using smokeless tobacco. It might surprise some patients to find out that even e-cigarettes can raise their risk.
There are some prescription medications which can overly dry out the patient's mouth. This is important because saliva can help to remove the bacteria which causes periodontal disease.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy Options
Non-surgical periodontal therapy options are essential for managing early to moderate stages of gum disease, often halting disease progression without invasive procedures.
The most common non-surgical treatment is scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning method that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths tooth roots to encourage gum reattachment. This is done each time during periodontal maintenance treatment.
Other non-surgical therapies include applying antimicrobial agents or localized antibiotics to target specific bacterial infections within periodontal pockets.
Laser therapy is an innovative treatment option that reduces bacteria and promotes the healing of inflamed gums. Improving at-home dental hygiene practices like regular brushing and flossing, is critical to managing gum health.
These non-surgical approaches, combined with regular dental check-ups, provide an effective strategy to control periodontal disease, improve oral health, and prevent the need for more extensive gum treatments.
Techniques to Retain Healthy Gums
Seeing the dentist at least twice a year is highly recommended. Early indicators of health concerns including cavities and gingivitis might be found by the dentist. Your gums must be healthy for you to keep your smile. Brushing properly, flossing regularly, having a nutritious diet, and visiting the dentist often will aid to maintain healthy gums at all times. Visit us and you will enjoy having healthy gums.
Avoid Acidic Foods
Acid causes destruction of the tooth enamel. Enamel is the layer that covers the tooth and protects the dentin. Foods that comprise citric acids such as lemons, oranges, and other citrus fruits are prone to induce erosion of the teeth. These foods are healthy but they need to be consumed with other meals to lessen the negative effect they generate.
Soft drinks and sports drinks encourage erosion of the teeth since they, too, contain acid that is not beneficial for the teeth. Avoid such foods so that you will retain healthy gums. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, sports drinks, and carbonated drinks because they include sugar that is not healthy for your teeth. The sugar will interact with oral germs and generate acid that will destroy the enamel of the teeth.
Mouthwash to Minimize Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a less severe form of gum disease that originates when bacteria gather in the mouth. Plaque forms in between the teeth and are what brings bacteria, causing tooth decay. Antimicrobial mouthwash is vital and helpful in treating gingivitis before it becomes serious and turns into to periodontitis.
How Often Do I Need Periodontal Maintenance?
The dentist will be the one to determine how often you need gum maintenance and cleaning. This will depend on how serious the gum inflammation or recession is. From studies, after professional cleaning, bacteria related to gum disease can repopulate your gums three months later.
It is vital to schedule regular dental visits to check on your overall oral health, and for the dentist to check on your gum health. Our dentist will guide you through steps that may keep your gums healthy, and if you have any form of gum disease, the dentist will prescribe the periodontal treatment plan that is suitable for you.
Schedule Periodontal Care in Athens, AL Today!
If you suspect that you or your loved one may be suffering from periodontal disease, Singing River Dentistry is ready to meet you and deliver the greatest periodontal treatment possible. You can also learn more about gum disease by calling us today at (256) 293-5393 or you can arrange an appointment to start your periodontal care and treatment.
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