Periodontal (Gum) Care

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults over the age of 35. If your gums feel tender, look red and swollen, or bleed when you floss, you could be at risk for gum disease. Untreated gum disease has been linked to other serious health problems, so it’s important to keep your gums healthy with proper home care and biannual professional dental cleanings.

Millions of people will suffer adult tooth loss due to gum disease. Gum disease, if neglected, can result in the loss of tooth and bone. Worse, it may negatively impact your overall health. The good news is that gum disease can be eradicated with laser dental care. The dentists at Metairie Dental Centre uses laser gum surgery to eliminate the bacteria that cause gum disease with less discomfort and faster healing times.

In its early stages, gum disease displays as red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush or floss. This is caused by plaque that builds up at the gum line, which is generally the result of poor oral cleaning habits. At this point, gum disease is still reversible with no permanent damage.

When gum disease progresses to periodontitis, your gums form deep pockets that allow plaque and bacteria to accumulate. Gaps then form between gums and teeth, resulting in receding gums and damage to the bone and connective tissue around your teeth.

This is the final stage of gum disease and the most detrimental to your health. The damaged bone and connective tissue is now devastated by the progression of the bacteria that has been allowed easy access by receding gums. The pockets between teeth and gums become deeper and your teeth may shift or become loose.

Left untreated, gum disease can cause permanent damage to your teeth and bone. The long-term effects of gum disease include gum recession, tooth loss, and bone loss. Advanced bone loss can ultimately compromise the integrity of your facial structure, manifesting as a sunken, hollow look throughout the cheek area. These results are not only unattractive, but they also jeopardize your overall health.

When you have gum disease, the toxins produced by the oral infection can enter and circulate through your bloodstream, potentially affecting other organs. Gum disease has been proven to have a reciprocal link with numerous systemic illnesses, including:

• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Respiratory Disease
• Osteoporosis
• Kidney, Pancreatic, and Other Cancers

All of these connections are especially unfortunate when you consider the fact that gum disease is completely preventable. There is no reason to allow gum disease to progress to advanced stages. the dentists at Metairie Dental Centre and his friendly staff will make your visit for dental care in Metairie, comfortable while assessing and treating gum disease before it advances to later stages.