Periodontal Health in Macomb Township, MI
Many people do not realize that caring for their teeth and gums should go hand in hand and tend to focus only on their teeth. Your gum or periodontal health is essential for the health of your smile and your overall health. At Roam Dental, we emphasize prevention, early detection, and treatment of periodontal disease to maintain long-term healthy smiles. You can always count on us for exceptional care and service!
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal or gum disease affects the gums and tissues supporting the teeth and is usually the result of poor oral hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist significantly lower the risk of gum disease.
Left untreated, periodontal disease destroys the bone and tissues supporting the teeth, leading to bone loss and loose teeth. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
What Are the Causes of Periodontal Disease?
The leading cause of periodontal disease is poor oral hygiene and inconsistent visits to the dentist for professional cleaning. When plaque is not removed from your teeth and gum line, it hardens to tartar. Plaque and tartar house harmful oral bacteria that release acids irritating the gum tissue and causing inflammation. Plaque and tartar are the leading causes of tooth decay and gum disease.
Other factors contributing to gum disease include:
- The natural aging process
- Crooked teeth
- Family history
- Smoking and using tobacco products
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
- Health conditions such as diabetes
How Does Gum Disease Affect Your Oral Health?
The early stages of gum disease, also known as gingivitis, are usually painless, often going undetected. As the condition progresses, it can lead to complications that affect more than our teeth and surrounding structures. Periodontal disease has been linked to many serious health conditions, such as stroke, diabetes, and heart disease.
Signs of periodontal disease include bleeding gums, red and puffy gums, tenderness, bad breath, receding gums, and loose teeth.
What Treatments Are Available?
Periodontal disease treatment depends on the type and severity of the disease. In the early stages of gingivitis, one or two regular cleanings may be sufficient to restore your gum health. In more advanced cases, you may require deep cleaning, known as scaling and root planing. This non-surgical procedure is the best way to manage the devastating effects of gum disease.
During your initial consultation, we will determine whether you require scaling and root planing. We will evaluate your gum health by measuring the depth of your gum pockets, a process known as periodontal charting. Dr. Barbu will recommend scaling and root planing if your gums are receding and the pocket measurements are 4mm or greater.
We will start by scaling, which involves removing plaque and tartar deposits along your gum line. We will then go on to the next step, called planing, which involves smoothing out your tooth root surfaces. This will then help promote gum tissue healing and reattachment. You may need more than one visit, depending on the severity of your condition.
After the procedure, you must commit to regular dental visits every 3-4 months. The visits will include the following:
- Routine cleaning
- Thorough evaluations of your gum tissue
- Measurements of the depth of the gum pockets
Periodontal Health Near Me in Macomb Township, MI
Reducing the risk of periodontal disease starts with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. The dedicated team at Roam Dentistry are committed to providing quality procedures to prevent the development of periodontal diseases. We will ensure that your gums stay healthy, reflecting positively on the health of your teeth and the rest of your body. We invite you to call us at 586-500-ROAM to schedule an appointment or book one online today!