Periodontal (gum) disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults of all ages. If you suspect you may have gum disease in Columbus, you need to get help from an expert dentist like Dr. Pawlus right away. For more information about periodontal disease and treatments in Columbus, or contact us now to schedule your consultation.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums. It’s caused by poor oral hygiene. Without proper at-home care, bacteria-filled plaque will begin to build up between the gums and teeth, and harden into tartar. Eventually, the bacteria in plaque and tartar will infect the gums, causing inflammation. Over time, the disease will progress and cause irreversible damage to your gums and teeth without proper treatment.
The first stage of gum disease is “gingivitis,” and is characterized by symptoms like gum inflammation, discolored gums, and bleeding while brushing. Gingivitis is reversible and causes no permanent damage to the gums, but it can progress and become irreversible if it’s left untreated.
Periodontitis is the second stage. In this stage, symptoms may include halitosis (bad breath), gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and very tender, painful gums. In this stage, permanent damage is done to your gums, but the disease can be controlled with proper care to prevent further issues.
The final stage is advanced periodontal disease. In this stage of the disease, the teeth may loosen or fall out. Other symptoms include pus between the teeth, a change in how your teeth fit together, and pain and discomfort while chewing.
Periodontal disease is also linked to Alzheimers, preterm labor, pregnancy complications, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. For all these reasons, it's important to avoid or halt periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is completely preventable. Follow these steps to keep your mouth healthy:
Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Flossing once per day helps remove debris that can’t be removed with brushing alone. You can even use a waterflosser for a more powerful clean!
Reduce your sugar consumption, particularly from sugary drinks. Food that’s good for your body is good for your teeth, so maintain a healthy diet to lower your risk of gum disease.
Our Columbus dentist will numb your mouth, then use a laser tool to clean plaque and tartar from between your teeth and gums. Then, we will smooth out the roots of your teeth to remove bacteria “pockets.” Along with antibiotics, deep cleanings are usually enough to halt or reverse minor-to-moderate gum disease. However, it is important to continue to stay on top of your regular periodontal maintenance cleanings to ensure it stays at bay! We will work with you to arrange a treatment plan that accommodates your schedule and your needs.
Gum grafting involves grafting tissue taken from the roof of your mouth onto your gums. This restores your gums and secures your teeth. It’s typically used if you have suffered serious gum recession from periodontal disease. We use minimally-invasive techniques and advanced laser tools for the best results at Pawlus Dental.
Gum flap surgery involves folding back the gums to expose the roots of your teeth. Then, the roots of the teeth are cleaned and disinfected, and the gums are folded back into place and sutured tightly around the teeth. This treatment may be required if a deep cleaning is not enough to resolve your gum disease.
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