Why Periodontal Therapy?
When people think about dental health, they often forget about one crucial aspect – their gum’s health. Gums are an essential element of your dental wellbeing, as they fit flush against your teeth when healthy, providing most of the support needed to hold them in place.
In its earliest stages, gum disease (known as gingivitis) is limited to the gums. However, it can spread to the tissue and bone that supports the tooth if the disease is left to progress. You may find gaps between the tooth and gums when this happens, making it easy for food particles and bacteria to get trapped and worsen the infection. As the tissue and bone begin to deteriorate, teeth may loosen, move around in the jaw, and even fall out.
As always, prevention is far better than cure when it comes to your oral health. If you already have some of the symptoms of periodontal disease, there are several therapies our doctors can offer you.
Why do I Need Periodontal Therapy?
As a warm, moist environment, the mouth makes the ideal breeding ground for bacteria, meaning that infection can spread incredibly quickly! Periodontal disease can lead to many other health problems if left untreated. These include an increased risk of developing any of the following conditions:
- Stroke
- Heart disease and heart attack
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Diabetes
- Cancer
Periodontal therapy can also improve bad breath, remove tartar, and ensure you retain a confident, full smile you want to share.
Risks to Pregnant/Nursing Women and Their Babies
Research has shown that periodontal disease can increase the health risk to both a mother and her developing baby. These risks can include life-threatening pre-eclampsia and preterm labor and delivery. Periodontal therapies are highly recommended for pregnant women with gum disease, although the proper treatment may not completely prevent problems at birth. Unfortunately, pregnant women are more susceptible to periodontal disease and other oral health problems due to their fluctuating hormones compromising the ability to resist disease. In fact, a large percentage of women often find they suffer from inflamed gum tissue during their pregnancy for this very reason.
Should I be Aware of Any Risks?
The risks associated with periodontal therapies vary depending on which type of treatment you have. However, they’re generally considered very safe, with the only real threat being a possible infection resulting from work on the gum. In this case, oral antibiotics can sufficiently deal with the problem.
We highly recommend consulting with a doctor regarding your unique dental needs, as they will best advise you of any specific risks.
How Do I Know if I Have Periodontal Disease?
Thankfully, there are some apparent symptoms you can notice. Spotting these will make it easier for you to act quickly and protect the long-term health of your gums and teeth. These include:
- Persistent bad breath
- Swollen, red, and tender gums
- Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Teeth that appear loose
- Gums that appear to be receding
If you have any of the symptoms of periodontal disease, we recommend making an appointment with one of our highly trained doctors. The sooner you call, the more likely you can avoid further complications and risks to your oral and general health.
