Why is Periodontal Treatment Necessary

Periodontal treatment is necessary when various conditions affect the health of your gums and the regions of your jawbone that hold your teeth in place. Retaining your teeth is directly dependent on proper periodontal care and maintenance. Healthy gums enhance the appearance of your teeth, like a frame around a beautiful painting. When your gums become unhealthy, they can either recede or become swollen and red. In later stages, the supporting bone is destroyed and your teeth will shift, loosen, or fall out. These changes not only affect your ability to chew and speak, they also diminish a pleasing smile. Active gum disease has also been shown to contribute to heart disease, strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, and arthritis.

Women & Periodontal Health

Throughout a woman’s life, hormonal fluctuations can affect gingival tissues. These fluctuations are most noted during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and while taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapies. Data from numerous studies suggest that the ovarian hormones (estrogen and progesterone) alter the microenvironment of the oral bacteria so as to promote their growth and shifts in their populations. These higher levels of hormones can exacerbate gingivitis or periodontitis with symptoms such as increased gum sensitivity, bleeding gums, bright red appearance, swelling, and extreme tenderness in the gums. Through detailed home care instructions by our hygienists, diligent plaque control on your part, and any necessary periodontal treatment in our office, should successfully manage your symptoms.

Periodontal Disease & Tobacco

You are probably familiar with the links between tobacco use and lung disease, cancer, and heart disease.

Studies have also linked periodontal disease with tobacco usage. Gum disease will be even more severe than those of non-users of tobacco. There is a greater incidence of calculus formation on teeth, deeper pockets between gums and teeth as well as greater loss of the bone and fibers that hold teeth in your mouth. In addition, your chance of developing oral cancer increases with the use of tobacco including smokeless tobacco.

Chemicals in tobacco, such as nicotine, slow healing and reduce the success of periodontal treatment and dental implants.

We recommend smoking cessation or significant reduction in the number of cigarettes per day due to the role of tobacco and periodontal disease and dental implant failure.

Diabetes & Oral Health

The relationship between diabetes and oral health is a two-way street. Individuals suffering from diabetes, especially uncontrolled diabetics, have a higher risk of developing bacterial infections of the mouth. These infections may impair your ability to process insulin, resulting in greater difficulty with regulating your diabetes. Periodontal diseases will be more severe than those of a non-diabetic and treatment will be more difficult.

Steps to control periodontal disease include daily brushing and flossing to remove plaque from your teeth and gums, regular dental visits for professional cleaning, and regular periodontal evaluation. Dr. Farthing must also be informed of your history and the current status of your condition. And finally, you can help stabilize periodontal health by maintaining better control of your blood sugar levels.