Periodontics

During your first appointment, your teeth and gums will be evaluated and the state of your periodontal health will be diagnosed. After your periodontal health has been diagnosed, recommendations for further treatment will be made if necessary. Otherwise, you will be scheduled for a prophylaxis (cleaning). While there are many forms of periodontal disease, the most common types are gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis: The earliest stage of periodontal disease affecting only the gums. The earliest and most common signs of having Gingivitis is blood on your toothbrush or dental floss, remember it is never normal for your gums to bleed while brushing or flossing , this stage is readily reversible in most people However, if left untreated gingivitis can lead to a more severe condition.

Five Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease

Periodontitis: Periodontitis results from a long-term accumulation of plaque and tartar between the teeth and the gums, this is a severe form of gingivitis in which the inflammation of the gums extends to the supporting structures of the tooth. Extensive treatment may be required and or teeth may have to be removed in the more advanced stages of periodontal disease.

Perodontitis Stages:

Gum Disease

Gum disease or periodontal disease, a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue, is the major cause of about 70 percent of adult tooth loss, affecting three out of four persons at some point in their life.

What causes gum disease?

Bacterial plaque - a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth - is recognized as the primary cause of gum disease. Specific periodontal diseases may be associated with specific bacterial types. If plaque sir t removed each day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into a rough, porous substance called calculus (also known as tar­tar).Toxins (poisons) produced and released by bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. These toxins cause the break­down of the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets which fill with even more toxins and bacteria. As the disease progresses, pockets extend deeper and the bacteria moves down until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed. The tooth eventually will fall out or require extraction.

Read More on Gum Disease

How to prevent Periodontal Diseases

Brushing Your Teeth

Brush your teeth twice a day, with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth, allowing you to reach all areas easily. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps protect your teeth from decay. When brushing you should have your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle, against the gums, move the brush in short (tooth-wide) strokes, make sure to brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of your teeth, Use the "toe" of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke, and then brush your tongue to remove the bacteria and freshen your breath. Follow with flossing or inter dental cleaners, it is essential in preventing periodontal(gum) disease.

Read About Choosing a Toothbrush & Toothpaste

Facts on Flossing

Floss and Water picks: Plaque is a sticky layer of material containing germs that accumulates on teeth, including places where tooth­brushes can't reach. This can lead to gum disease. The best way to get rid of plaque is to brush and floss your teeth carefully every day. The toothbrush cleans the tops and sides of your teeth. Dental floss cleans in between them. Some people use waterpiks, but floss is the best choice.

Read More Facts on Flossing & Mouth Rinses

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