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What Is Periodontal Disease?

Posted on March 21, 2023 | by mel | Leave a Comment

Periodontal Disease- The ‘Silent Killer’

Gum disease is usually rather painless, but it can cause serious damage in several ways. The milder form, called gingivitis, is generally not much of a problem to your teeth and gums. Periodontal disease is an entirely different story and it needs to be brought under control quickly to avoid extensive damage to the gums, teeth, and jawbone.

Once periodontal disease gets started, it will require a dentist to get rid of it. The CDC believes that as many as 50 percent of adults 30 or older have what is called advanced periodontal disease. This is equal to more than 64 million Americans.

What are the causes and symptoms of periodontal disease?

Although there are several factors that help in the development of gum disease, both gingivitis and periodontal disease have the same root cause – bacteria. This bad bacterium is always in your mouth, but it is generally controlled in a healthy mouth. It feeds on sugar, and when it does, it produces an acid. The acid causes cavities and inflammation of the gums.

Over time, if the bad bacteria are allowed to multiply, pockets in the gums will develop and colonies of these bacteria will form inside of them. As it continues to produce acid, it begins to erode the gums, the tissues that support the teeth, and the jawbone underneath. The teeth will begin to get loose and may fall out.

There are several causes of periodontal disease, but the primary one is simply not keeping the bacteria away from your teeth. This means that you most likely are not keeping up with brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing.

Other risk factors usually play on the primary one, but they can act alone. The other factors include:

Diabetes – gum disease is hard to control with diabetes. They go hand-in-hand – you cannot control one without controlling the other, too.
Medications – some medications will promote periodontitis, but those that cause dry mouth are a special problem.
Hormonal changes in women – including pregnancy.
Some illnesses.
Smoking – or using any kind of tobacco.
Obesity
Insufficient nutrition
Genetics – about one-third of Americans have the gene, but it does not mean you will get gum disease. If you do, however, it is apt to be difficult to control.

Several symptoms will reveal the presence of gum disease and periodontal disease. The symptoms of gingivitis include infected gums and bleeding gums. If allowed to continue, gingivitis develops more serious symptoms and becomes periodontitis, with symptoms that include:

Receding gums
Bad breath that will not go away
Gums pulling away from your teeth
Inflamed gums
Pus forming along the gum line
Painful chewing
Loose teeth.
Spaces developing between your teeth

Recent research has shown that having any kind of gum disease can seriously affect your overall health. Periodontal disease causes inflammation that is now believed to spread throughout the body from the gums, causing such problems as cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and many more.

Different Types of Periodontal Disease

There are three different types of periodontitis. They all need treatment.

Chronic Periodontitis – It is the most common kind and it affects mostly adults. It causes slow deterioration, but it may get better or worse at times.
Aggressive Periodontitis – This is a rare form but it usually starts during childhood. It is usually genetic and the destruction occurs rapidly.
Necrotizing Periodontal Disease – It involves the death of gum tissue, the ligaments that support the teeth, and the bone, causing severe infection. Most people that get it are immune system compromised.

How to Prevent Periodontal Disease

Preventing periodontal disease in most cases is rather simple. Since periodontal disease starts out as gingivitis, generally all that is needed to remove it is to brush twice a day and floss. This will take care of it in most cases.

Other things that you can do are to quit smoking, eat healthy foods to strengthen your gums immune system, consume less sugary foods, and visit the dentist to keep an eye on gum disease if it develops.

Treatments available for periodontal disease

Several treatments are available for periodontal disease. The dentist will need to tell you which periodontal treatments are needed. They include:

Scaling and rootplaning – the dentist will open the pockets and remove the bacteria. Rough surfaces on teeth will be smoothed out.
Medications – different types of medicines may be inserted into the gum pockets to destroy the bacteria. They may include antibiotics and enzyme suppressants.
Flap surgery – The gums are lifted back and then cleaned out. When completed, they are sutured to reduce pocket depth.
Bone and tissue grafts – These grafts may be necessary to replace destroyed tissue and to restore a more normal appearance. Gum grafts may be performed with a laser.

Cost of Periodontal Treatment

The cost of getting periodontal disease treatment depends on the severity of the disease and how many appointments are needed. More serious periodontal disease needs to be treated by a specialist – a periodontist. A simpler treatment such as scaling and root planing will cost between $140 and $210. The cost for more severe problems will cost around $10,000. Laser treatment will cost about $1,000 per quadrant.

If you need periodontal disease treatment and live in the Farmers Branch TX area, you can get it from Champion Dental clinic. In addition to gum disease treatment, we also offer cosmetic dentistry to restore your smile. For more information about our expert dental services, or to set up an appointment, visit our website

What Are Bacterial Tests To Test Your Risk of Gum Disease?

Posted on February 28, 2023 | by mel | Leave a Comment

Can Gum Disease Be Prevented with a Test?

Like any disease, being able to know exactly what it is will enable medical professionals to effectively overcome the problem. When guesswork is involved, it is likely to take longer to defeat the disease – and it may not work at all if the treatment is wrong. Bacterial tests are important when it comes to understanding your risk of getting gum disease.

Periodontal Disease

When it comes to gum disease, there are two types: gingivitis and periodontal disease. Gingivitis is the milder of the two. This type can usually be eradicated simply by regular brushing twice a day and flossing each night. The early symptoms of gingivitis include red or inflamed gums and bleeding gums.

If the early stages of gum disease are ignored, the gum disease progresses and becomes periodontitis. As it gets worse, the bacteria that causes the periodontitis gets under the gums and forms pockets. From there, it multiplies faster and produces acid, which deteriorate the gums, the structures that keep your teeth in place, and your jaw bone. Your teeth will become loose, and may even fall out. Periodontal disease continues to be the number one cause of Americans losing their teeth.

Periodontal Bacteria

In the average person’s mouth, there are more than 700 different types of bacteria. Out of this number, 11 of them can cause periodontitis. While some of these are milder, four of them can cause an aggressive form of periodontitis. This means it can advance faster than other forms, and it also means that it is going to be harder to control.

Having the periodontal bacteria in your mouth does not necessarily mean that you will develop periodontitis. If you have a good regimen of oral care for your teeth and gums you may be able to avoid it.

Bacterial Tests

A dentist can provide a bacterial test that will identify which of the various periodontal bacteria is present in your mouth. This will enable the correct treatment – an antibiotic – to be given. It is a test using your saliva to detect the various types of bacteria that may cause periodontitis.

If a dentist uses the wrong antibiotics on bacteria, it can enable it to become a super bacteria – one that does not respond to normal antibiotics. A bacteria test can provide the dentist with the knowledge of the exact antibiotic to add to the mixture.

This enables the treatment to be able to deal directly with the cause, rather than with the symptoms or risk factors. As an example, smoking is a serious risk factor to getting periodontal disease, and so is diabetes, but neither one can actually cause gum disease. A bacteria test gives dentists a powerful advantage in treating, and even preventing gum disease.

Periodontal Disease and Your Overall Health

A powerful reason to get a bacteria test if you have periodontitis is to be able to put an end to the problem as fast as possible. Studies now reveal that the same bacteria involved in periodontitis are also behind the formation of many major health problems, including cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and stroke.

The same bacteria can begin to cause these problems after it gets into your gums. From there, it gets into your bloodstream and then can go anywhere in your body.

Typical periodontal treatment is usually only initiated after you already have the symptoms of the disease. This means that some damage has already been done and it is going to be costly to repair it. The usual treatment is planing and scraping, and the use of antibiotics – unless it has already reached an advanced stage.

Bacteria Test for Prevention

Testing someone for periodontal bacteria that does not yet have any symptoms of periodontal disease can benefit someone who may have these bacteria. Testing for the bacteria can enable dentists to eliminate it before it becomes a problem. Or, it may alert the individual to be sure to have regular dental checkups to watch out for its development.

A bacterial DNA test enables dentists to be able to correctly identify any bacteria that are behind your periodontitis. The test uses paper points that are inserted under the gums for just a few seconds. This is all the time that is needed to collect a bacteria sample. Once obtained, the samples are sent to a lab that can identify the bacteria involved. This test eliminates the guesswork and lets the dentist treat the exact problem.

Periodontal Disease Treatment

When periodontal disease treatment is desired or needed, a bacteria test can help reduce the treatment time. Even though treatments may have had limited success in the past, this method can speed up the process. For people who have a family history of periodontitis, getting a bacteria test may help prevent it.

If you want to have bacteria tests to test your risk of periodontal disease, or if you want to be tested because treatments so far have had limited success, you can call Champion dental at 214 747-0763

Is It Worth the Time To Floss Your Teeth?

Posted on February 6, 2023 | by mel | 2 Comments

Does Flossing Teeth Really Make a Difference?

While it is certain that daily brushing your teeth is valuable to help protect them, regular daily flossing teeth is just as important. The benefits of flossing add to what your toothbrush does because it lets you reach into areas that your toothbrush cannot touch.

The Importance of Flossing

Flossing is important because it enables you to remove particles from between your teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. This helps prevent bacteria from building up between your teeth and damaging them and your gums.

The bacteria that need to be removed will grow in the presence of food and sugars between your teeth. It becomes plaque every day, but it is brushed off with a toothbrush when you brush your teeth. This does not happen between your teeth, though, which is why flossing is necessary.

Although there was some debate recently about the value of flossing, the American Dental Association, the Surgeon General, THE CDC, and other health groups still say it is important. Not only does it help your teeth to continue to look clean, but it also helps you to avoid gum disease.

Gingivitis

Gum disease often starts when proper care is not given to the teeth – you are not flossing. Food particles collect between the teeth and the bacteria hides in it. This enables them to multiply, and when they do, they produce acid. The acid begins to erode the enamel on your teeth and it also begins to work on your gums. This leads to gingivitis.

When you have gingivitis, your gums will bleed when you brush your teeth or floss. They may also appear red and inflamed. Healthy gums do not bleed. At this early stage, if you brush your teeth twice a day and floss everyday, you can usually get rid of gingivitis.

Periodontitis

If you let the gingivitis go, and do not start taking better care of your teeth, periodontitis is the next step. At this stage, pockets will begin to form on your gums at the gum line. The pockets are where the bad bacteria in your mouth are forming colonies – and producing more acid. Soon, you will see pus oozing out of the pockets at the gum line.

The acid now will slowly begin to do some serious damage. It starts destroying the gums, the structures that hold your teeth in place, and the jaw bone. After a while, your teeth will start to become loose, and some may even fall out.

Treating Periodontitis

Once the pockets have formed, it is out of your hands. A toothbrush or floss will not reach into the pockets, so dental care becomes necessary. Only a dentist can help you now.

Treatment for periodontitis depends on how serious it has become. There are four phases of this gum disease and treatments involve both non-surgical and surgical methods. While medications may help treat it in the early stages, further development may require gum and bone grafts, and tooth replacement – all of which can be very expensive.

Avoiding Gum Disease

The best way to prevent and to stop gum disease, if you do not already have it, is to brush and floss your teeth every day. Some people have a genetic tendency toward gum disease, but regular dental care will help prolong its development, but may not ultimately stop it.

Periodontitis develops slowly in most people. While it continues to be the primary cause of tooth loss in the United States, it does not have to affect you. The primary cause is a lack of consistent brushing and flossing, says the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Best Time to Floss

Bacteria are always growing in your mouth. Because of this, it is best to floss at night before you go to bed because it will remove the bacteria from your teeth before you sleep. This way, you do not let the acid continue to destroy the enamel for the eight or so hours while you sleep.

More Tips to Reduce Gum Disease

Taking care of your teeth involves more than just brushing and flossing, although those things may be the most important. Other things include cutting down on sugary drinks and foods. The bad bacteria in your mouth feeds on sugar, which makes it even more important to rinse your mouth out with water after consuming sugary foods, and brushing and flossing.

Avoiding tobacco of any kind is also important, and cutting down on alcohol will help as well. Seeing your dentist regularly will also help protect your teeth because a dentist can see spots you have missed, as well as treat any cavities that may be developing before they become significant problems.

Flossing your teeth regularly is part of good oral health care. If you live in the Farmers Branch TX areas, Champion Dental clinic expert Periodontists can help you maintain healthy teeth, or treat gum disease when needed. To make an appointment for a consultation, call our office today at (214) 747-0763.

The Surprise Condition That Is Linked to 50+ Diseases

Posted on February 5, 2023 | by mel | 3 Comments

The close relationship between oral inflammation and your general health

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research revealed that as many as 10 percent of people between the ages of 20 and 64 have periodontal disease. One of the early symptoms of gum disease is bleeding of the gums. Research from many sources now indicates that periodontitis is connected to more than 50 diseases – many of which could shorten your life.

The Connection Between Periodontitis and Major Illnesses

Researchers have suspected for some time that bacteria in the mouth are connected to major illnesses. Only recently has the discovery been made that revealed that inflammation is the key, which is connected to gum disease. The bacterium in your mouth that causes the inflammation of the gums has been found in the organs affected by the disease.

The Conditions That Threaten Your Health

It seems that the list that connects gum infection with various diseases continues to grow. At present, there are more than 50 of them. Here are some categories of health and the diseases that affect it.

The Heart: coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, stroke, and more.
The Respiratory System: emphysema, COPD, pneumonia, sleep apnea, and more.
The Liver: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, pancreatic cancer, cirrhosis, and more.
The Digestive System: inflammatory bowel disease, abdominal pain, acid reflux, and more.
Age-related Problems: dementia, Alzheimer’s, premature aging.
Women’s Health Problems: complications with pregnancy, endometriosis, infertility, and low-birth weight.
Men’s Health Problems: impotence, erectile dysfunction, libido problems, and more.
Cancer: kidney cancer, blood cancers, esophagus cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and more.
Other Problems: retinal degeneration, obesity, diabetes, aging, rheumatoid arthritis, and more.

As you can see from this list, many diseases that were previously thought to be unrelated are now believed to have a root cause – inflammation of the gums. Treating gum disease in its early stages is one of the best ways to help ensure better health over time.

The Source of Inflammation

Although there is more than one source of inflammation, the bacteria causing inflamed gums seems to be a primary culprit. These same bacteria are found at the site of these various diseases, which causes researchers to believe that it is the key.

The bacterium that causes gingivitis and periodontitis is naturally found in your mouth. A healthy mouth has many other types of bacteria in it that normally helps keep the bad bacteria under control. Several factors can easily cause this natural balance to become unbalanced and the bad bacteria starts growing uncontrollably – causing inflammation of the gums.

Triggers of Oral Bacterial Growth

Ordinary habits of life in America are the basis for growth of these bacteria. Sugary foods and drinks provides food for the bad bacteria, which causes it to multiply faster. This includes sodas, fruit juices, and energy drinks, as well as an abundance of pastries, desserts, and candy. Eating foods with tons of calories (fast food) also provides plenty of sugar.

Lack of care of the teeth is another cause. The bacteria hide in the food particles between the teeth and at the gum line forming plaque, which becomes tartar.

As the bacteria continue to grow, it goes into the gums, where pockets are formed. These pockets become convenient hiding places for colonies to form, and their destructive work progresses. Once this stage is reached, it begins to cause damage to the structures that hold your teeth in place, even damaging the bone. Eventually, you will start to see your teeth become loose, and then start to fall out.

Once the colonies have grown, it is not long before they start to get access to your blood stream. This enables them to travel throughout your entire body, possibly leading to many diseases.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

The earliest evidence of gum disease is usually bleeding gums, which may also be inflamed. This is gingivitis. If ignored, and your teeth are not cared for consistently, it can become periodontitis, which is the more serious form of gum disease. Other symptoms include: sore gums, pus at the gum line, gum recession, the formation of pockets in your gums, and loose teeth.

Repairing the Damage from Gum Disease

Once periodontitis becomes serious, and pockets are formed on the gums, dental treatment is necessary to stop its progress. This can be very costly, and can be very involved. The less invasive treatment involves antibiotics, scaling and root planing. Surgical treatments involve the reduction of pockets, gum grafts, bone grafts, and more. Consult Champion Dental Clinic at 214-747-0763 for more information on treatment options

Reducing Inflammation for Better Health

The best time to stop inflammation of the gums for your better health is today. Start by taking a serious approach to the care of your teeth. Brush them at least twice a day, and floss at least once a day. You also want to eat healthy, in order to keep the bad bacteria at bay.

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