How to treat Periodontal Disease in Hamden
Over forty seven percent of adults over the age of 30 experience some stage of periodontal disease. Most cases are caught early and with proper care are reversible.
Understanding what periodontal disease is and how it can be treated is key to catching it in the early stages.
What is it?
Early stage periodontal disease is called gingivitis. The gums may become swollen and red and in some cases bleed. More serious is periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth and can cause bone and tooth loss.
Causes
Several things can cause periodontal disease:
- Lack of flossing and consistent oral hygiene
- Too many sugary or acidic foods and beverages in your diet
- Use of tobacco products
- Certain medications
- Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease
- Genetics
The first three are all things we can overcome. If you are diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis speak with your dentist in Hamden to make sure that you have a good oral hygiene plan. Cut back the cookies and soda, and when you do eat or drink something sugary or acidic, make sure to brush your teeth. And as most doctors will tell you, using tobacco products is your choice, but it can lead to serious problems. Talk to your dentist in Hamden about tobacco cessation programs.
You may not be able to change the medications that you’re on, but you can check to see if they have periodontal disease as a side effect. And, unfortunately certain diseases, and our ancestors, are not something we can change, but being aware helps with early detection. Always make sure that your dentist in Hamden has a good medical history on file for you.
Signs other than red, swollen, bleeding gums, or gums that have pulled away from your teeth can be:
- Bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away
- Tender gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Changes in your bite or changes in the fit of partial dentures
If diagnosed, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing for you. The initial procedure usually takes two visits and you will be under local anesthesia so the procedure isn’t too uncomfortable.
For Scaling, the dentist will remove the plaque from around your teeth, all the way down and around the gum line, taking the toxins and bacteria away. Root planing will smooth the surface of your teeth so that new plaque has a more difficult time to build.
In very serious cases, gum surgery may be required. The oral surgeon may need to remove tissue and reshape it in order for your gums to adequately cover the tooth.
Your dentist in Hamden will discuss continued treatment with you and devise a plan to get your mouth healthy again.
Know, you are not alone. We understand and know the proper treatment plans to reverse periodontal disease. The key is catching it early. Talk to us here in Hamden if you have any of the symptoms listed above and we’ll come up with a plan.