Does Gingivitis Lead To Periodontitis?

Gum disease in Fort Lauderdale, FL, also known as periodontal disease, is when the tissues that surround and support teeth become infected and inflamed. When people have gum disease, it is primarily caused by bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on teeth. The mildest form of gum disease is gingivitis. Without effective treatment of gingivitis, however, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease.

 

Interested in learning more about how gingivitis leads to periodontitis? Continue reading to learn more about how gingivitis can lead to periodontitis.

How Does Gingivitis Lead To Periodontitis?

While gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease in Fort Lauderdale, FL, can be prevented and treated, once it progresses to periodontitis it can only be managed, not cured. Specifically, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis through a progressive process that begins with the buildup of bacterial plaque on the teeth.

 

If left untreated, the bacteria in this plaque produce toxins that cause inflammation of the gums, a condition known as gingivitis. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen gums that bleed easily. If gingivitis is not addressed right away, the inflammation it causes can spread to the ligaments and bones that support the teeth, leading to periodontitis.

 

In cases of periodontitis, gums may start to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that harbor more bacteria and worsen the disease. Over time, the pockets that periodontitis creates can deepen, leading to bone loss and, eventually, tooth loss. Therefore, it is important that people get their gingivitis treated timely so that it is prevented from progressing to periodontitis.

How Can Gum Disease In Fort Lauderdale, FL Be Prevented?

Gum disease is preventable when people maintain excellent oral hygiene. When people regularly and thoroughly brush their teeth twice a day, it helps to remove plaque buildup from the tooth surfaces. Additionally, flossing daily assists in removing food particles and bacteria from areas between teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach.

Not smoking is another crucial way people can avoid developing gum disease. Because smoking weakens the immune system, it makes it harder for people to fight off gum infection. Regular dental check-ups and professional teeth cleanings are also advisable in order for people to avoid developing gum disease.

Come To Our Office So You Can Avoid The Development And Progression Of Gingivitis To Periodontitis

In order for you to keep your smile healthy and strong, you should come to our dedicated office. We can help you manage your gum disease so that it does not progress from gingivitis to periodontitis.

 

Don’t hesitate to achieve the smile of your dreams with us. Get in contact with our doctors, Dr. McCawley and our exceptional team at our office to schedule an appointment today!

What Type Of After Care Is Needed After Scaling And Root Planing Procedures?

Scaling and root planing in Fort Lauderdale, FL are crucial dental procedures often recommended when signs of gum disease are evident. Getting treated with scaling and root playing is a preventative measure against further oral health complications, such as advanced periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss and the potential need for dental implants. 

After having scaling and root planing procedures, however, how do people take care of their smiles? Continue reading to learn about the type of care that is needed after scaling and root planing procedures. 

The Type Of Care That Is Needed After Scaling And Root Planing In Fort Lauderdale, FL 

After scaling and root planing procedures, diligent care is essential to facilitate proper healing and to prevent any further dental problems. Here are some recommended steps patients should take to take care of their smiles after scaling and root planing procedures:

Rinse With Salt Water: 

Patients should rinse their mouth with warm salt water every few hours for the first couple of days after their procedure. Rinsing with salt water can help alleviate discomfort and reduce swelling.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene: 

Patients should continue brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing daily after their scaling and root planing procedures. 

Avoid Hard Foods: 

In the first few days following the procedure, the patient should just stick to only eating soft foods to prevent irritation in the treatment area.

Avoid Smoking And Alcohol: 

Smoking and alcohol consumption can delay the patient’s healing process after their procedure.

Regular Dental Check-Ups: 

Regular dental check-ups are important for monitoring the patient’s recovery process and maintaining their overall oral health.

Remember, scaling and root planing are proactive measures against periodontal diseases that can compromise the health of the patient’s oral structure. When patients take care of their teeth and gums after scaling and root planing procedures, they can benefit more from the procedures for years to come. 

What Exactly Do Scaling And Root Planing Procedures Do? 

Scaling and root planing in Fort Lauderdale, FL are common dental procedures, often referred to as deep cleanings. These treatments go beyond the regular dental cleanings that patients receive during their regular dental check-ups. Specifically, scaling involves the removal of dental plaque and tartar from the tooth surface, especially below the gum line in the pockets that form between the teeth and gums. 

Root planing, on the other hand, smoothens the root surfaces, discouraging further plaque and tartar build-up, and helping to prevent gum diseases. These procedures are typically performed in order to prevent or halt the progression of periodontal diseases, which if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.

Come To Our Office So We Can Teach You How To Take Care Of Your Smile After Getting Treated With Scaling And Root Planing 

Unsure about how to take care of your smile after getting treated with scaling and root planing procedures? Then you have come to the right office. Our caring and knowledgeable team can tell you how to take care of your smile after your scaling and root planing procedures. 

Why wait to improve your smile with us? Get in contact with our doctors, Dr. Tom McCawley and our exceptional team at our office to schedule an appointment today! 

Who Are Candidates For Scaling And Root Planing Procedures?

Candidates for scaling and root planning in Fort Lauderdale, FL have gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. When people are determined, by a skilled and knowledgeable dental professional, to be candidates for a scaling and root planing procedures, then they should go get it accurately and predictably performed so that way they can restore the look and function of their smile for years to come.

 

What Determines My Candidacy For Scaling and Root Planing In Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Candidates for scaling and root planing have bacteria in the gum tissue that can lead to gum disease or gingivitis. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can seriously impact people’s overall health if it is left untreated. Harmful bacteria that’s trapped inside the spaces or pockets between gum and bone tissue in people’s teeth can produce toxins that result in the classic symptoms of gum disease, including red, inflamed, swollen, painful, and tender gums.

If people don’t get these symptoms of gum disease treated, then they have increased risk for developing systemic conditions. Fortunately, scaling and root planing can be used to remove infected gum tissue and restore the health of patient’s smiles.

 

After Becoming A Candidate For It, How Is Scaling And Root Planing Performed?

After people have become candidates for scaling and root planing in Fort Lauderdale, FL, then they should get treated by this proven and predictable oral hygiene improving procedure. Scaling and root planing stop’s bacteria from causing harmful symptoms, or from spreading to other parts of the body.

During the scaling and root planing procedure process, the periodontal pockets are cleaned at the location where the harmful bacteria may be difficult to reach and sanitize with normal teeth cleaning methods, such as brushing or flossing. This provides an in-depth, targeted cleaning of the gum tissue to ensure oral health is preserved and any toxic bacteria present is removed.

Maintaining good oral health that is free from harmful bacteria or infected, inflamed gum tissue is very important, particularly to people’s overall health and even physical appearance. This is why selecting a knowledgeable dental professional that has the experience of executing and prioritizing good oral health with scaling and root planing is imperative to ensure patients’ teeth receive optimal care and their oral health is preserved!

 

See Us At Our Office For Your Scaling And Root Planing Procedure

Don’t wait to improve your smile at our caring and advanced office. Get in contact with our doctor, Dr. Tom McCawley  at our office to schedule an appointment today!

Is Gum Disease Preventable?

An image of a woman getting treated for gum disease.

 

By taking good care of their gums and teeth, people can ensure their oral health and overall health remain in good shape. However, when people are experiencing gum disease symptoms, they may be at risk for serious systemic conditions such as diabetes, dementia, and even

cardiovascular disease. Luckily, gum disease in Fort Lauderdale, FL is preventable. Continue reading to learn more about how people can prevent themselves from getting gum disease.

 

How Can I Prevent Myself From Getting Gum Disease In Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Excessive growth of bacteria and plaque in the mouth, that is not immediately treated, can cause gum disease. The symptoms associated with gum disease include swollen gums, tooth pain and discomfort, and bad breath and odor. If left untreated, the symptoms of gum disease can get progressively worse.

With regular professional teeth cleanings, brushing teeth and gums daily at home, and maintaining a healthy diet that limits sugary foods and beverages, it can all help patients stay free of gum disease.

For those who have gum disease, a skilled dental professional can treat patients by keeping their teeth and gums clean free of harmful bacteria that can promote gum disease and other serious conditions. Gum disease can be professionally treated with treatments like scaling and root planning.

 

See Us At Our Advanced Office So We Can Keep You Free Of Gum Disease In Fort Lauderdale, FL

Gum disease can impact more than just your oral health. If you or a loved one are experiencing gum disease, you should come to our caring and advanced office so we can come up with a customized treatment plan to meet your specific needs and wants.

Don’t hesitate to improve your smile with us. Get in contact with our doctor, Dr. Tom McCawley at our office in Fort Lauderdale, FL to schedule an appointment today!

Can I Detect Signs And Symptoms Of Gum Disease?

a gum disease patient being checked for periodontal disease by an expert dentist.

Oral health can have a huge impact on people’s overall health. This is why keeping a clean and healthy mouth is so important. By keeping the gums and teeth free of harmful bacteria or plaque buildup, people can avoid getting gum disease in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Gum disease, however, cannot always be avoided. There are many signs and symptoms that that can help people detect when they have gum disease. Here are the ways people can detect gum disease.

 

What Is Gum Disease In Fort Lauderdale, FL, And How Can I Detect It?

When people develop harmful bacteria or plaque buildup in their mouth, the excessive growth of these agents can lead to harmful toxin production that could be released into their bloodstream. This can lead to people developing gum (periodontal) disease.

Gum disease symptoms include, but are not limited to, gums swelling, tooth pain, loose teeth, dental discomfort, gum recession, and bad breath. If left unmanaged, gum disease can lead to many systemic health illnesses including diabetes, heart disease, tooth/bone loss, pregnancy complications, pancreatic cancer, and stroke. When people are experiencing gum disease symptoms, they should go to a skilled doctor they trust.

 

How Can I Prevent Myself From Getting Gum Disease In Fort Lauderdale, FL?

To help people decrease their chances of getting gum disease, they can maintain the following healthy habits:

 

Regular Brushing And Flossing:

Brushing and flossing twice daily can significantly minimize people’s chances of getting gum disease.

 

Maintain A Healthy Diet:

Eating a healthy diet, including vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and plenty of water, can help people improve their oral health.

 

Eliminate Or Reduce Smoking:

Cigarette smoking can lead to unhealthy teeth and gums and should be avoided to help people decrease their chances of developing gum disease and improve their overall health.

 

Choose A Good Toothpaste:

A gum disease fighting or preventing toothpaste should include fluoride and other plaque and bacteria eliminating agents to ensure peoples oral health remains in-tact.

 

Most importantly, when people go to a seasoned doctor who regularly treats gum disease and offers gum health maintenance services, they can learn how to detect and manage their gum disease before it leads to bigger problems.

 

Come To Our Exceptional Office If You Are Experiencing Signs Of Gum Disease

If you or a loved one are experiencing gum disease symptoms, don’t hesitate to come to our modern and advanced office. We can help you manage it. Get in contact with our doctors, Dr. Tom McCawley and Dr. Mark McCawley, in our office in Fort Lauderdale, FL to schedule your next appointment today!

What Is Gingivits Vs Periodontitis?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is the most common type of oral health problem. It’s caused when plaque, a sticky film that forms on teeth and gums, builds up in a patient’s mouth. This can cause toothaches, difficulty chewing, bad breath, and even more serious problems like tooth loss or infection. Periodontal disease can progress from gingivitis to periodontitis in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to other health problems, including systemic issues such as stroke, diabetes, and heart disease, all of which are potentially fatal. This is why it’s important for patients to get it fixed by a dental professional as soon as possible have good oral and overall health. This blog goes over what gingivitis is, versus what periodontitis is.

 

What Are The Symptoms Of Gingivitis And How Do they Affect Me?

According to the American Dental Association, Gingivitis is a “reversible” inflammation of the gums that, if left untreated, can lead to periodontitis. Basically, gingivitis in Fort Lauderdale, FL is a mild form of gum disease and is usually caused by plaque buildup, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If this bacterium is not removed from the teeth, they produce toxins that can damage a person’s gums.

 

What Are The Symptoms Of Periodontitis And How Do They Affect Me?

Periodontitis in Fort Lauderdale, FL is a serious type of gum disease that causes the gums to become red and swollen and often occurs if gum disease symptoms are left untreated. Periodontitis can cause irreversible damage to the bone and soft tissue that support a person’s teeth.

The gum tissue around the teeth can become inflamed. This inflammation may cause lower hemoglobin concentrations. If a person’s periodontitis is not treated, it can cause their teeth to loosen and their teeth may even need to be extracted.

 

Consult A Periodontist To Treat Your Gum Disease

A periodontist is a type of doctor who specializes in the treatment of tooth and gum problems. They may treat such things as gingivitis, periodontal disease, and other oral health issues. Periodontists also provide dental care for people with implants and other dental devices.

Periodontists often receive several additional years of education in periodontics. Periodontics is a specialty of dentistry that involves the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions of the gums and bone surrounding the teeth. Periodontists are great professionals to visit should gum disease symptoms arise.

 

We Can Treat You In Our Caring And Advanced Office

There’s no need for you to continue experiencing painful or swollen gums. No matter the stage of your gum disease, we can help you! Get in contact with our doctors, Dr. Tom McCawley and Dr. Mark McCawley, in our office by Fort Lauderdale, FL to schedule a consultation today! We can help you get the healthy gums you deserve.

What Are The Chances of Dental Implants Causing Gum Disease?

Dental Patient Needing Periodontal TreatmentDo you have missing teeth and are looking for a way to fill in any gaps so that you can smile big and wide again? Dental implants might be the right choice for you! Have you heard horror stories about dental implants being involved with gum disease and that has deterred you from wanting to get implants? Let’s take a look further to see what the causes of gum disease are. A dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL might recommend alternatives if your gums aren’t health enough to support the dental implant.

 

Gum Diseases: An Overview

Two of the most common gum diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a bacterial infection causing inflammation of the gums, which can turn into periodontitis if left untreated. A small space called a sulcus is the area where your gums attach to the bottom portion of your teeth. The space is large enough for food and plaque to get stuck in there causing an infection in your gums. If you do not get your gums checked or treated, gingivitis can cause a separation of the gums and the teeth, which can then cause injury to the bone supporting the tooth and soft tissue.

Dental implants cannot cause gum disease any more than natural tooth roots naturally do. In order to be considered for dental implants, your gumline needs to be healthy before a dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL will examine you for the dental implant procedure. The first step in considering you for dental implants is an evaluation. A dentist will complete a full mouth examination to let you know if your teeth and gums are healthy enough and if you are a great candidate for dental implants. If not, a dentist will recommend alternative ways to fix the missing teeth that you have or to assist you with getting your gums healthy enough for dental implant surgery.

 

Interested In Learning More?

Are you tired of seeing spaces in your teeth or feeling like you still have something lodged in your teeth? Are you ready to get that big, beautiful smile again and regain your confidence? Call our doctors, Dr. Tom McCawley and Dr. Mark McCawley, in our office in Fort Lauderdale, FL today to schedule your consultation!

Diagnosing and Treating Gingival Recession: What To Do, and What Treatments are Available

Treatment of recession defects is indicated for the prevention of root caries, reducing root hypersensitivity, enhancing esthetics, augmenting keratinized tissue, eliminating inconsistency of the gingival margin, and enhancing plaque control. The initial phase in managing gingival recession should be eliminating or correcting etiological factors. Once the etiological factors have been managed effectively, gingival recession can be overcome or eliminated with a variety of effective surgical modalities. Assessing periodontal support, including bone levels and the height of soft tissue, including papilla, are essential to obtaining a successful result.

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Don’t Let That Blank Space in Your Mouth Fool You

Dental Patient Hiding Her Missing ToothSo, you had teeth extracted and/or are missing a few teeth? No big deal, right? Do not fool yourself! There are plenty of issues that come with missing teeth in Fort Lauderdale, FL. You lose the confidence in your smile, you can’t chew the foods you use to enjoy, and so much more. Beyond these though, there are also adverse health effects to missing teeth.

 

What Happens When We Are Missing Teeth?

From gum disease to infection, there are several reasons why you should consider replacement of your missing teeth!

In many cases, the gums where the tooth used to be will get infected which will cause inflammation. This is known as gingivitis, commonly referred to as gum disease. Gingivitis can cause your gums to bleed when you floss, changes in your bite line, pain when chewing, pus to form between the gums and teeth, and other symptoms. This, of course, makes day-to-day life more difficult as the pain from chewing causes great amounts of anxiety about eating and can cause other teeth to loosen or fall out.

Another problem that may occur is weakness in your jaw and other teeth. Other teeth surrounding the missing one have to work harder to chew due to the lack of teeth and can cause jaw pain, weakness, and in some cases temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD). Your TMJ attaches your lower jawbone to the rest of your skull and when it is being worked on one side more heavily, it can cause disorders to form which will result in pain when chewing and many other issues.

 

Fill Those Gaps

To avoid these diseases and others that are caused by the loss of teeth, consider calling us at (954) 686-1491. Contact our office in Fort Lauderdale, FL to schedule an appointment with our doctors, Dr. Tom McCawley and Dr. Mark McCawley, so we can give you our options to fill in that missing tooth! With years of experience in supporting those like you, we will work with you to find the best treatment option to fit your unique situation. We look forward to helping you!

 

References

Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis), Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/gingivitis

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorders, Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/tmj-disorders

Convenient Steps To Prevent Periodontal Disease

Dental Patient Needing Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal (gum) disease does not have to become a reality for you. It is often associated with symptoms such as gum swelling, tooth pain, and discomfort, and if left untreated, can lead to systemic health illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Fortunately, there are many ways and things that you can do right now to reduce or eliminate your chances of getting gum disease in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

 

A few helpful tips to consider

  • Regular brushing and flossing: Brushing and flossing twice daily can significantly minimize your chances of getting gum disease. This is because gum disease is caused by bacteria or plaque buildup in or around the gum area, leading to inflamed and irritated gums. Brushing and flossing regularly can remove the bacteria that causes gum disease and keep your mouth and gums healthy!
  • Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet including vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and plenty of water can help improve your oral health which can be a reflection of your overall health. Your diet should be well-balanced to help boost your immune system to fight off any bacteria that may be lurking and trying to cause an infection of the gums.
  • Eliminate or reduce smoking: Smoking can not only have an impact on your oral health but can also affect your overall health. Cigarette smoking can lead to unhealthy teeth and gums and should be avoided to help decrease the chances of developing gum disease.
  • Choose a good toothpaste: a gum disease fighting or preventing toothpaste should include fluoride and other plaque and bacteria eliminating agents to ensure your oral health remains in-tact.
  • Proper sleep: Getting a good night’s rest and reducing stress can help improve your immune system and overall health to make sure your body can remove any bacteria that can cause gum disease.

 

Schedule A Consultation

Contact our office in Fort Lauderdale, FL to schedule an appointment with our doctors, Dr. Tom McCawley and Dr. Mark McCawley, by calling our new patient line at (954) 686-1491 so we can help you learn and understand more about how to get or maintain a healthy mouth and gums to make sure you avoid getting gum disease!

 

References