According to the American Academy of Periodontology, 56 percent of men and 38 percent of women over the age of 30 will develop periodontal disease — an infection of the gums. This infection may lead to tooth loss and deterioration of the jawbone. Gum disease is also linked to health issues such as heart disease, cancer, infertility, and pregnancy complications. Men and women who smoke or chew tobacco, wear braces, or have misaligned teeth are more prone to developing gum disease and should diligently care for their teeth and gums to prevent periodontitis.
Schedule an appointment with our Austin Laser Dentist team immediately if you are experiencing bleeding, irritated, swollen gums, bad breath, or toothaches. Dr. Helen Ragsdale offers a wide range of conservative, technologically advanced treatments to treat your gum disease. Call us today at 512-346-4690 or contact us online to set up your appointment.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
The key to defending your mouth against gum disease is maintaining good oral hygiene habits. Regular dental cleanings are important and necessary, but the most effective prevention happens at home. These measures include:
- Proper brushing: Brush your teeth for two to three minutes a day (twice a day) with fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to brush along the gumline where plaque and tartar then to build.
- Floss regularly: Whether you prefer traditional floss or a floss holder, flossing will help remove tartar and bad bacteria from the areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Rinse with mouthwash: Adding an antiseptic mouth wash to your oral hygiene routine will add another wall of protection for your gums by killing any lingering bad bacteria left in your mouth.
- Eat a healthy diet: The body needs proper nutrition to prevent gum disease, and other ailments, from taking over. Foods that are high in vitamins A and C are particularly helpful in keeping your teeth and gums intact.
Treatments for Periodontal Disease
Before treating your gum infection, one of our dental hygienists will assess your gums for any sign of inflammation and use a probe to measure the pockets around the teeth for abnormalities. If necessary, he or she will also take an x-ray to check for bone loss.
At Austin Laser Dentist, we believe conservative treatments are the best option whenever possible. For patients with mild gum disease, we recommend a process called scaling and root planing. This affordable, nonsurgical periodontal therapy involves using an anesthetic to numb the entire infected area, gently removing built-up tartar, and smoothing the rough areas to allow the gums to reattach to the roots. Dr. Ragsdale may also recommend adding an anti-microbial mouthwash to your daily oral hygiene routine.
For those with more advanced periodontal disease, we provide the latest technologies and techniques through high-quality, gentle care. These techniques include:
- Laser Gum Surgery
- Laser Pocket Decontamination
- Gum Grafts (Subepithelial connective tissue grafts)
- Guided Tissue Regeneration
- Bone Grafting
Click here to learn more about what these treatments entail.
Contact Your Austin Dentist Today
It’s important to know that while periodontal disease can be treated, it cannot be cured. It is essential that you develop and continue an oral hygiene routine that will keep the disease under control. If not, abscesses, bone loss, and tooth loss are likely to occur.
Our Austin Laser Dentist team is prepared to treat and help you prevent the progression of gum disease. Contact our office today at 512-346-4690 for professional, effective treatment.
