Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a common and often preventable oral health condition. It’s estimated that nearly half of adults in the United States have some form of gum disease.
At Pinnacle Dentistry in Colorado Springs, we believe that education is key when it comes to periodontal care. In this blog, we’ll discuss periodontal care, the risk factors for gum disease, and how to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent and manage gum disease.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects the gums, teeth, and bone that supports the teeth. It begins when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on teeth and gums. Over time, the bacteria in plaque can cause the gums to become inflamed, leading to gingivitis.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is a more serious form of gum disease. Periodontitis can cause irreversible damage to the gums, teeth, and bone that supports the teeth, leading to tooth loss and other serious health problems.
Risk Factors for Gum Disease
There are several risk factors for gum disease, including:
- Poor oral hygiene: If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque can build up on your teeth and gums, leading to gum disease.
- Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for gum disease. Smoking weakens the immune system and makes it harder for the body to fight off infection.
- Genetics: Some people are more prone to gum disease due to genetic factors.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk for gum disease because they are more susceptible to infection.
- Medications: Some medications can affect oral health, including medications that cause dry mouth.
- Age: Gum disease is more common in older adults.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, and menopause can increase the risk of gum disease.
How to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is key to preventing and managing gum disease. Here are some tips for good oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Avoid smoking and using tobacco products.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.
At Pinnacle Dentistry in Colorado Springs, we offer comprehensive periodontal care to help prevent and manage gum disease. Our periodontal services include:
- Deep cleaning: If you have gum disease, we may recommend a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline.
- Scaling and root planing: Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths out the roots of the teeth to help the gums reattach to the teeth.
- Antibiotics: We may prescribe antibiotics to help treat gum disease.
- Periodontal surgery: In severe cases of gum disease, periodontal surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue and promote healing.
At Pinnacle Dentistry in Colorado Springs, we are dedicated to helping our patients maintain healthy gums and teeth. Our periodontal services are designed to provide effective and personalized care to meet the unique needs of each patient.
We encourage anyone who is concerned about gum disease or wants to learn more about periodontal care to schedule an appointment with our experienced team of dental professionals.
We believe that education is key when it comes to preventing and managing gum disease, and we are committed to providing our patients with the information and resources they need to maintain good oral health.
Don’t let gum disease impact your oral health and overall wellbeing. Contact Pinnacle Dentistry in Colorado Springs today to schedule an appointment and take control of your periodontal health.
