Preventive dentistry involves more than how healthy your teeth are and how good they look. The health of your gums and other soft tissues of the mouth is very important, too. Dr. Louis Olberding, your dentist in Lincoln, educates all his patients on the signs and prevention of gum disease for your best oral and overall health.
The Basics of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease afflicts half the adult population in the United States, says the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. Its severity varies from mild gingivitis to more destructive and dangerous periodontal disease.
While mild gum disease is not always obvious to the person who has it, signs are readily observable by your dentist and dental hygienist. Plus, as the condition worsens, symptoms become more apparent, especially to the patient.
Upon oral examination, the professional team at Olberding Dental may notice:
- Reddened gums
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Pus
- Gums pulling away from tooth surfaces
- Deep periodontal pockets (the spaces between the gums and teeth) measuring more than three millimeters
- Bad breath
- Exposed tooth roots
Left untreated, gum disease leads to substantial soft tissue and bone recession. As supporting tissues deteriorate, teeth loosen and eventually must be extracted (they can even fall out). Dental bite shifts, too. Gaps open as teeth drift, and the fit of a partial denture or bridgework changes.
Additionally, the American Academy of Periodontology sees links between gum disease and cardiovascular disease, some cancers, osteoporosis and other conditions. What happens in your mouth affects your whole body.
Treatment and Prevention of Gum Disease
Dr. Olberding and his staff employ tooth scaling and root planing to remove accumulated plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and below the gum line. Plaque and tartar from the food we eat, along with the bacteria they harbor, cause the inflammation characteristic of all kinds of gum disease. Simple deep cleaning works well to restore diseased gums to full health.
In addition, Dr. Olberding is an expert in use of the soft tissue laser, an innovative way to clean and debride infected gums with no cutting, bleeding or suturing. This laser procedure is quick and comfortable, and speeds healing. Other periodontal therapies include antibiotics and oral surgery depending on the nature of the problem.
Of course, the best treatment for gum disease is preventing it. Patients may do this by:
- Stopping tobacco usage–both cigarettes and smokeless tobacco
- Drinking plenty of water to wash oral surfaces and stimulate saliva
- Brushing twice a day and flossing daily to remove plaque
- Eating a healthy diet, low in carbohydrates and processed sugars and high in lean protein and fiber
- Getting dental exams and cleanings twice a year at Olberding Dental
Other Factors Which Contribute to Gum Disease
Some individuals struggle more with gum problems than others do. They may be cancer patients or immunosuppressed with poorly controlled diabetes. Pregnant and menopausal women get gum disease, too, and it can run in families. At-risk individuals may need more frequent cleanings to keep their gums healthy and pink.
Educate Yourself about Gum Disease
When you see Dr. Olberding for your check-up, ask what more you can do to combat gum disease. Your health will be the better for it. So please contact Olberding Dental Dental to arrange your routine appointment today.