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Periodontal Care in Midlothian
Periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis, is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. The word periodontal means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease is a serious bacterial infection that impacts the gums and surrounding tissues. If periodontal disease is not properly treated, the disease can damage the underlying bone and the bone will no longer be able to hold teeth in place.
Periodontal Disease and your overall health
Left untreated, periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease, strokes, diabetes, and other serious illnesses. The importance of your gum health cannot be overstated. As the foundation for your teeth, your gums play an essential role in your oral health, as well as overall health.
What causes periodontal disease?
Plaque buildup contains many kinds of bacteria in your mouth and is often the leading cause of periodontal disease. Other factors that may play a role include:
- Genetics
- Hormonal changes
- Low nutrient-dense diet
- Smoking (including smokeless tobacco)
- Systemic diseases
- Bruxism (habitual, involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth)
- Certain medicines
- Excessive alcohol consumption
At Midlothian Dental Arts, Dr. Stafford and his team provide a gentle and thorough approach to effectively prevent periodontal disease from progressing.
While periodontitis can rarely be completely reversed, there are several ways to properly manage it with our recommended at-home routines and regular in-office maintenance. We work with you every step of the way to prevent the disease from growing worse and creating further discomfort or damage to your health.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease often progresses quickly and silently. Some of the most common signs of periodontal disease include:
- Sore and painful gums
- Red, tender, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath or a bad taste that won't go away
- Sensitive teeth
Early detection is key for periodontal disease and your health. Through the proper treatment and regular care, you can protect and preserve your healthy teeth and gums. Midlothian Dental Arts can help you identify which stage of periodontal disease you are in, to guide you on the most effective course of action.
Treating Periodontal Disease
Some of the more common options for treating Periodontal Disease, such as scaling and root planing, are non-invasive and performed under local anesthetic. If you are diagnosed with a more advanced stage of the disease, treatments may include osseous recontouring and flap surgery.
As your family dentist who manages and monitors your oral health throughout every stage of life, we will help to determine which stage and treatment option will be best for your unique and particular case. Most periodontal patients who are under periodontal care and treatment will visit our hygienists every three months for regular maintenance and to prevent plaque accumulation.
Next Steps...
If you have any concerns about the health of your gums, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Stafford. We also recommend talking to our team about any gum changes at your routine cleanings.