Periodontal specialists in Miami
PREVENTING GUM DISEASE THROUGH ROUTINE CARE
Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.
When plaque or tartar is not removed, they can lead to periodontal diseases.
WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?
Periodontal disease is another name for gum disease. The condition begins with a mild swelling or inflammation of the gums due to bacterial build up.
There are three stages of periodontal disease:
In early stages, you may notice that your gums recede forming small pockets between teeth and gums. These pockets further encourage growth of harmful bacteria. In this stage, you will notice your gums bleed when you floss or brush. There is also likely to be minor bone loss at this stage.
Moderate stage of periodontal disease
When the condition is not treated in early stages, it progresses to moderate stage. In this stage, an individual may experience more pain and bleeding on the sites of gum recession. Teeth begin to loosen up as they lose bone support. This is when there is a high risk of inflammation spreading elsewhere in the body.
In advanced stage, there is deterioration of connective tissue that supports the teeth. Bones, gums and supportive tissue are all destroyed at this stage called advanced periodontitis. An individual experiences severe pain, bad breath and foul taste.
WHAT CAUSES PERIODONTAL DISEASES?
Periodontal diseases are caused mainly by inflammation and infections of gums as well as the bone that support the teeth. Certain factors increase the risk for periodontal disease:
- Poor or lack of oral hygiene
- Crooked or misaligned teeth that are difficult to clean
- Immune deficiency disorders like AIDS
- Defective fillings
- Certain medications that lead to dry mouth
- Ill-fitting bridges
- Hormonal changes
- Use of contraceptives
While age and heredity cannot be modified, other factors can be managed or controlled effectively to prevent periodontal disease. Regular professional dental check-ups along with deep professional cleanings are the best ways to address minor issues before they develop to the next level.
HOW COMMON IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?
As per the most recent data from CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), 47 percent of people above the age of 30 years have periodontal disease in the U.S. With age progression, the prevalence of periodontal disease also increases. Periodontal disease is seen in adults above the age of 65 years to the extent of 70.1%.
Globally, periodontal diseases affect between 20 to 50 percent of the population.
Along with tooth decay, periodontal disease is one of the most significant threats to oral health.
SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES OF PERIODONTAL DISEASES
Gingivitis: The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.” In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.
Periodontitis: When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to “periodontitis” (which means “inflammation around the tooth”). In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called “pockets”) that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.
Evidence from research highlights the link between periodontal diseases and chronic systemic diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and negative outcomes in pregnancy. Periodontal disease is believed to increase the risk of heart disease by 19% and in older adults the risk goes up to 44%. Periodontal diseases in individuals who also have Type 2 diabetes is linked to increased mortality risk. Periodontal treatment is proven to reduce these risks as well as lead to improved sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Regular visits to our professional dental care center in Miami is the ideal way to prevent serious complications of periodontal disease. At the first sign of any oral health problem, it is important to schedule an appointment with one of our reputed dental professionals at Amaya Dental.
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE?
If you notice any of these signs it is important to schedule an appointment with us immediately.
- Bad breath that is persistent
- Red gums
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding from gums
- Tenderness of gums or teeth
- Painful chewing
- Sensitive teeth
- Loose teeth
- Gums that are not connected to the teeth
- Changes in dental bridges or dentures
Our highly experienced dental professionals are well versed at a wide range of periodontal treatments that preserve optimal health of your gums and teeth. These include:
Professional cleaning: Our dentists recommend regular professional teeth cleaning to prevent and manage periodontal disease. In these sessions, our dental experts remove tartar and plaque using an ultrasonic device and further clean each individual tooth using fine instruments. Polishing teeth and fluoride treatment help restore the shine of natural teeth. Periodontal pockets also undergo deep cleaning to facilitate healing.
Scaling and Root Planing: One of the most common ways to remove the plaque that contributes to the periodontal disease is through a deep-cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. The removal of the tartar from above and below the gum line is called Scaling, and Root planing removes rough spots on the tooth root where the germs accumulate; which also helps to remove bacteria.
Antibiotics: If required, our professional dentists prescribe antibiotics that treat persistent infections of the gum that don’t respond to deep cleaning. The antibiotic can be in the form of a Gel, chip, microspheres or pills. After deep cleaning, our dental experts apply the antibiotic gel in the pockets which get released slowly in a week’s time. Antimicrobial chips are also placed in the tissue pockets to heal the tissues. Tiny antibiotic microspheres can also be used in these tissue pockets after deep cleaning.
Flap Surgery: In certain cases, flap surgery may be recommended by our dentists. This is in severe cases where gum inflammation persists after other procedures. In this procedure our specialized periodontists remove tartar from the pockets that form between gums and teeth. These pockets are closed using stitches to ensure the gum tissue joins the teeth. When the pockets are closed, you will find it easier to brush or floss.
Grafts: In advanced periodontitis, destruction of tissue and bone is commonly seen. At this stage our dentists can also recommend graft of bone or tissue to replace them. A small mesh placed between the gums and jaw bone enable regrowth of tissues and bone.