You may be asking, what is periodontal disease? The answer is right inside the word. “Periodontal” comes from two Greek words: “peri” which means around, and “odontos” which refers to teeth. So it refers to all the tissues and structures that can be found around your teeth — namely, your gums and the bones supporting your teeth.
Periodontal disease, often called gum disease, refers to several conditions that can plague those tissues around the teeth. In its earlier stages, the disease is called gingivitis, and it often presents as inflammation of the gums. But if left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, a serious infection that destroys the gums, as well as bone tissue underneath your gums. A proactive approach to gum health can deter potentially painful or serious complications down the road.
If you suffer from gingivitis, bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, or gum recession, it’s important to visit Dr. Ragsdale now. The health of your gums is critical to your overall oral health. Dr. Helen Ragsdale of Austin Laser Dentist offers minimally invasive laser treatments for gums and can provide treatment suggestions to reverse the damage caused by gum disease, as well. Call 512-346-4690 for an appointment.
Risk Factors for Gum Disease
While some risk factors are genetic or otherwise beyond your control, some can be reduced with a shift in daily habits. Here, we’re going to give you three to improve your oral health and help protect your mouth’s vital supportive tissues. Discuss these action steps, as well as her recommendations for restorative procedures, with Dr. Ragsdale. A regimen of daily cleanings at home, healthy lifestyle choices, and professional dental treatment can put you on the right track to avoiding periodontal disease.
Eliminate Tobacco Use
Smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products isn’t just unhealthy for your lungs. It can also destroy gum tissue and encourage excessive bacteria growth in your mouth, leading to plaque buildup and possible infection. In fact, tobacco smoking is now believed to be the biggest risk factor for severe, destructive periodontal disease. Quitting smoking is a smart step in the right direction for your overall health, and especially for the health of your gums.
Step Back from Sweets
Eating carbohydrates, including sugars, initiates a destructive cycle for your teeth and gums. Saliva’s natural pH level keeps bacteria growth in your mouth under control. Bad oral bacteria that live in your mouth eat starches and emit harmful acids in your mouth, which increase the pH of saliva. In this environment, bacteria thrive. Plaque, which consists of a matrix of minerals, saliva, and bacteria, increases and will harden into tartar if not cleaned away within 48 hours. Tartar buildup along the gum line works down into the gums, creating warm, dark, moist periodontal pockets filled with bad bacteria. These pockets deepen with time, as bacteria continue to reproduce and destroy connective tissues. The bacteria causes infection below the gum line, even in the bone tissue.
For the health of your mouth, make sweets like candy, soda, cookies, and cakes an infrequent treat saved for special occasions. Watch the starchy foods, like breads and noodles, as well. And if you do indulge, drink plenty of water afterwards to clear your mouth and dilute leftover sugars.
Develop Diligent Oral Care
Maintaining daily oral hygiene will go a long way in preventing periodontal disease. Simple, everyday cleanings combined with regular dental treatments by Dr. Ragsdale will keep inflammation or infection at bay. It’s imperative to brush your teeth for about two minutes at least twice a day, paying special attention to the gum line of each tooth. Additionally, floss between all of your teeth once a day to remove food and debris that encourage hidden bacteria buildup. Consider using an antiseptic mouthwash to restore healthy bacteria levels in your mouth and discourage plaque buildup around the gums.
Are you ready for healthier gums? Dr. Helen Ragsdale of Austin Laser Dentist can help you get there with minimally invasive procedures. Dr. Ragsdale is now accepting new patients at her north Austin location; schedule your first appointment by calling 512-346-4690.
