What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is the medical term for gum disease. It’s caused by bacteria that live in your mouth. An overgrowth of these bacteria in your dental plaque can trigger inflammation in your gums.
The first stage is gingivitis, a common but reversible condition in which gums swell and bleed when brushed. If gingivitis is not treated, the plaque accumulates and turns into hardened deposits known as calculus or tartar. The calculus attracts more bacteria, and the inflammation will spread deeper into the supporting tissues around your teeth. As periodontal disease advances, it destroys the bone and ligaments that hold your teeth in place and can eventually result in tooth loss.
Gum disease is a serious condition, but worse still is the fact that periodontal disease is extremely common, affecting close to 8 in 10 adults. Even more alarming is the fact that the vast majority of people are unaware that they have symptoms of periodontal disease, and they visit their dentist only when the disease is already quite advanced.
Gum disease can cause:
- Tooth loss
- Tooth decay
- Gum recession
- Bad breath
- Discolored teeth
- Hidden Dangers of Gum Disease
Besides causing gum recession and tooth loss, periodontal disease is dangerous because it has been linked to health problems such as cardiac and respiratory disease, low birth weight in newborn babies, heart attack, stroke, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Does it seem odd that oral health can affect your body enough to cause these alarming conditions? That’s one of the reasons why Dr. Lim is the top choice of dentist in Owasso; because he understands that oral health and the health of the rest of your body are interlinked. Achieving wellness means keeping your oral health in check.
The bacteria that cause gum disease will eventually infiltrate your bloodstream and travel to other parts of your body, causing the conditions mentioned above. Your mouth is the gateway to your body, so be sure to keep it clean and healthy.
If you are concerned about the health of your gums, Dr. Lim and the rest of our team here at Life Smiles of Owasso can help.
Treatment for Gum Disease
The first line of defense in fighting established gum disease is a procedure called root planing. This treatment is sometimes called “deep cleaning” because our hygienist uses special instruments to remove plaque, tartar, and other debris below the gum line. The hygienist smooths out the roots of teeth with deep pockets around them that formed when the gums started pulling away from the teeth. Smoothing the roots removes the irritating debris and creates a clean surface that allows the gums to heal and reattach to your teeth.
In some cases of advanced periodontal disease, surgery is necessary to access tooth roots to thoroughly clean them.
The TwinLight Periodontal Treatment in Owasso
TwinLight Periodontal Treatment is a minimally invasive treatment for periodontal disease that uses two laser wavelengths (Nd:YAG and Er:YAG) with unique clinical and therapeutic abilities. The two wavelengths are used together to achieve optimal results during periodontal treatment, with increased comfort and less recovery time.
The TwinLight laser is effective because it reduces the need for surgical intervention, kills bacteria in the pocket around the tooth, and cauterizes the tissue to promote rapid healing. The result is blade-free treatment with no sutures and little to no postoperative discomfort.
TwinLight Periodontal Treatment:
- Is less invasive than conventional periodontal treatments
- Reduces the chance of gum disease recurrence
- Promotes the growth of new healthy gum tissue
- Has minimal or no discomfort after the procedure
- Has a quick recovery time
At Life Smiles of Owasso, we are pleased to offer a modern solution to a common dental health issue. If you know or suspect that you need treatment for gum disease, contact us today by calling our office or requesting an appointment online.
The Best Defense For Gum Disease: Prevention
The best thing to do is to avoid gum disease by having a great oral health routine. For the majority of people, this is very easy to do. Make sure you:
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Floss your teeth once a day
- Use a bacteria-fighting toothpaste
- Drink lots of water
- Eat healthy fruits and vegetables
- Visit your Owasso dentist twice a year or as directed
In some cases, there are extenuating circumstances where you may have to take extra care to prevent gum disease. Make sure you’re extremely diligent about keeping your teeth and gums clean when you have:
- Braces
- Clear aligners
- Dentures
- Sleep apnea orthotic
Visit Your Owasso Dentist
Dr. Lim is a general and holistic dentist in Owasso, committed to your health and well-being. Schedule an appointment and take care of your dental needs by calling (918) 274-3779 or online.
