Gum Disease
 Up
to 80% of the population unknowingly has chronic, significant gum disease.
Characterized by a persistent bacterial infection surrounding
one tooth or several teeth, gum disease causes little discomfort and
produces few obvious symptoms. You see, gum disease begins small and
initiates
a series of increasingly serious oral hygiene conditions that can easily
and imperceptibly lead to full-blown periodontitis, and tooth and bone
loss. It can also increase your risk of a stroke and heart attack, according
to the American Academy of Periodontology.
Who is at risk?
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Only the Rota-dent® has
patented microfilament brush tips designed to reach underneath
the gum line
and in-between the teeth.
Clinically proven
to reduce harmful bacteria beyond the brush tip in Periodontal
Pockets. |
Any of the following conditions greatly exacerbate the risk of gum disease:
smoking, tobacco use, hormone fluctuations, stress, some medications,
bruxism, diabetes, poor nutrition, HIV, and any disease resulting in immunosuppression.
Yet, even healthy individuals are at risk since everyone's mouth produces
a continuous supply of sticky bacterial plaque. Plaque produces toxins,
which harden into calculus or tartar and cannot be removed without professional
treatment. Once hardened on the tooth surfaces, tartar irritates gum tissue,
initiating an inflammatory response... the body attacks its own gum and
supporting bone tissue. Furthermore, the irritated gums pull away from
the teeth, creating deep "pockets" and allowing bacteria even
further into the tooth/root area. If this vicious cycle continues, more
bone is lost, leading to tooth loosening, tooth loss, and/or extraction.
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Two recent clinical
studies prove
Listerine® Antiseptic
is as effective as flossing at fighting plaque and gingivitis between
teeth. That's because Listerine® Antiseptic gets between teeth
to kill the germs that cause plaque and gingivitis.
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Treatment
Early on, when redness, swelling, and bleeding are the only symptoms,
we can treat and reverse gum disease non-surgically. Generally, treatment
will include careful, individualized instruction regarding the most effective
means of brushing and flossing at home. We will then perform periodontal
probing which measures the depth of space (pocket) between the tooth and
the surrounding gum. This strategy is accompanied by professional scaling
and root planning which remove plaque and tartar below your gum line.
This controls the growth of harmful bacteria and helps gums reattach to
roots that are clean and smooth. Local antibiotic placement may also be
used in areas of significant infection.
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1. Periodontal Probing
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2. Scaling
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3. Root Planing
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Post-Treatment
This procedure may take several appointments to complete and your mouth
may feel sore and tender after treatment. Be sure to brush and floss after
each meal and you may be told to rinse with warm salt water every few
hours. If you experience pain, medication may be prescribed.
Click here to take a Gum
Disease Self-Evaluation test.
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