Periodontal Health
What comes to mind when you think about a healthy mouth? Most people tend to focus only on the condition of the teeth. While the teeth are a critical component of a healthy mouth, they are only one part. Your gums are also essential. Your gums serve several critical functions and maintaining your periodontal health helps to ensure that they can perform these jobs effectively. Sussex Dental is here to help.
The Functions of Your GumsYour gums play several a crucial role in your oral and overall health. Healthy gums sit snugly against the necks of your teeth, providing a protective seal that keeps bacteria and other debris away from the roots of your teeth and your jawbone. Your gums provide stability for your teeth and help to keep them in proper alignment. They also play a very important role in the quality of your smile.
Periodontal DiseasePeriodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a serious oral health condition that, when untreated, only continues to get worse. When it starts, however, most people do not even know that it is there. Plaque and bacteria accumulate on the surfaces of your teeth, irritating your gums. An immune response is triggered, and the tissue swells. Over time, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, and bacteria fall below the gum line. The bacteria then begin attacking the supporting structures of your teeth, causing them to become weak. Your teeth become loose and eventually fall out.
Treating Periodontal DiseaseThere are several different treatments available for periodontal disease. The exact treatment you receive depends heavily upon the severity of your condition. One of the most common treatments for periodontal disease is scaling and root planing. This treatment is a deep cleaning of all surfaces of your teeth, designed to eliminate all buildup from above and below the gum line. Other treatments for periodontal disease include such things as:| • |
Periodontal maintenance.
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Pocket reduction surgery.
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Gum flap surgery.
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Soft tissue, or gum, grafting.
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Bone-grafting. |
Preventing Periodontal DiseasePeriodontal health is essential for your oral health as well as your whole-body health. To maintain your periodontal health, good oral hygiene practices are essential. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. It is also recommended that you have your mouth professionally cleaned and examined at least twice a year. In addition to your oral hygiene, there are other things that you can do to maintain your periodontal health. Certain lifestyle habits, like smoking and drinking, can significantly increase your risk of developing periodontal disease. To lower this risk and protect the health of your gums, it is important that you avoid smoking and other tobacco products and limit your alcohol consumption. A well-balanced diet can also play a significant role in periodontal health. With a well-balanced diet, you can be assured that your gums, and the rest of your body, get the nutrients they need to remain healthy. Foods particularly good for your periodontal health include such things as dairy, dark leafy greens, crunchy fruits and vegetables, and proteins. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your periodontal health, we can help. Call Sussex Dental today at (262) 246-6806. |
