Periodontal Therapy
SOUTH CAPITOL SMILE CENTER, WASHINGTON DC
Did you know that 70% of all adults have periodontal disease in some form during the course of their lives, often without even realizing it? While it’s responsible for adult tooth loss, halitosis, and bleeding and receding gums, periodontal disease can easily be prevented with proper hygiene, regular home care and professional treatment. Your visit at the South Capitol Smile Center includes a complete evaluation of your gums and supportive tissues. In the event of a positive diagnosis, you will have access to advanced periodontal therapy to heal and restore your oral health.
Keep watch for the following signs and symptoms:
- Receding gums
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth, or pus around teeth
- Sensitive gums
- Bleeding gums while eating or flossing
- Chipping teeth at the gum line
Q: What is periodontal disease?
A: Periodontal disease is a condition which affects the structured that hold our teeth in place. If any soft tissue and bone infection travels down and destroys the stability of your teeth in the mouth, you could be at risk for tooth loss. As with any disease process, early detection, prevention and maintenance is the best practice.
Q: I brush every day, but my breath is just not fresh. Is there anything I can do?
A: Millions of people struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, despite daily teeth brushing. Here is a checklist of procedures that can eliminate the problem:
• twice daily brushing
• daily flossing and tongue cleaning
• regular professional cleanings and careful cleaning of any dentures or removable dental appliances.
However, if your hygiene is meticulous and the problem persists, we can discuss several solutions. If we suspect a systemic or internal problem such as an infection or underlying condition, we may recommend a visit with your family physician or a specialist to identify the cause.
Q: My gums bleed. Why is this?
A: Gums can become red and inflamed, often bleeding during brushing or flossing. This could be due to being overdue for checkups, improper home care, systemic diseases, or a combination of any of these. Timely treatment can reverse these conditions. However, if these conditions are ignored, your oral health can worsen.
Gingivitis and Periodontitis can affect your gums, bone and teeth in a manner that cannot be reversed. To prevent tooth loss, more extensive, specialized treatment from your general dentist or even a periodontist may be recommended. If left untreated, chronic inflammation could result in in tooth loss. As the mouth is the gateway to the body, untreated oral disease could put you at risk for other serious health problems.
Q: My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
A: It is certainly not desirable to have bleeding gums following brushing. If this problem persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods or occurs every time you brush, contact our office to set up an evaluation appointment. The condition may or may not require attention, depending on the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following: improper, rough “scrubbing” instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled tooth brush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar build-up below the gum line; or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. An evaluation may be your best option for uncovering dental issues.
