How to Combat Periodontal Disease and Maintain Healthy Gums

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease which affects the gums as well as the bones which support the teeth. Periodontal disease can result in red and swollen gums which bleed easily, and is caused by chronic plaque and tartar which are formed by an excess of bacteria in the mouth.

More than half of Americans have periodontal disease. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and bacterial infections. Other serious health complications can result from periodontal disease if left untreated, such as heart disease, as the infection can spread throughout the body.

The good news is that periodontal disease is fairly easy to prevent, and there are many effective ways to treat it.

Dental Hygiene

It goes without saying that proper dental hygiene cannot be emphasized enough in the prevention of periodontal disease. Flossing daily is essential, and it is estimated that only 50% of Americans actually take the time to floss once a day. What flossing does is prevent the buildup of bacteria-ridden plaque which spreads bacteria to and eventually inflames the gums.

Annual dental visits are also a must. Only a professional dental hygienist is capable of removing tartar from your teeth, and this can tremendously reduce gum inflammation.

Adjust Your Diet

There are common foods which can prevent and reduce the effects of periodontal disease. For instance, raw onions have anti-bacterial properties, and when consumed can destroy several strains of bacteria which exist in plaque.

Raw ginger is another food which effectively fights gum disease. Ginger has been known for centuries for its anti-inflammatory properties, and can reduce gum inflammation significantly.

Avoiding sugar as much as possible will help prevent periodontal disease. Sugar feeds bacteria, allowing it to thrive in your mouth. By cutting sugar out of your diet, the levels of harmful bacteria in your mouth will reduce.

Scaling and Root Planning

Those who have more advanced cases of periodontal disease may experience teeth separating from their roots. For these instances, your dentist may schedule an intensive deep cleaning which involves complete removal of plaque and tartar down to the roots of your teeth. From there, your dentist will then smooth the roots of your teeth so that your gums may heal.

Periodontal Surgery

For the most severe cases, surgical solutions may be necessary. Bone grafting, or the rebuilding and reshaping of the bones which support your teeth, will treat any bone damage caused by gum disease.

Guided tissue regeneration involves your dentist placing a layer of membrane over the grafting material to guide the reattachment of your teeth's roots to their supporting bones. Dental practices like Abbott Family Dentistry, LLC provide these surgical options.

Despite the alarming number of those affected by periodontal disease, there are many methods of prevention and treatment which will help you combat the effects of this disease. By keeping your gums healthy, you are protecting not only your teeth but your entire body.