Category: Gum Disease

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.

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

• Gum disease (gingivitis), MedicineNet, https://www.medicinenet.com/gum_disease/article.htm

Have you been noticing your gums bleed easily whenever you brush or floss? Or they are starting to pull away from your teeth? These are common signs of gum disease and should never be ignored. Whether you’ve recently started developing symptoms of gum disease or it has been affecting your health for some time, don’t wait to seek treatment. There are many important reasons why.

Gum disease won’t go away by itself

A progressive and dangerous condition, gum disease begins when bacteria from plaque and tartar infect the gums. If not treated right away, gum disease can progress until it causes irreversible damage to oral structures and increases the risk of tooth loss.

Gum disease affects overall health

Advanced stages of periodontal disease have been linked to complications with systemic health conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, heart attack, and stroke. Bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream, and the chronic inflammation and infection can take a toll on your body’s immune system.

Gum disease will lead to tooth loss

The number one cause of tooth loss is advanced gum disease. If you don’t get treatment for your bleeding gums and periodontal disease progresses enough, the damage it causes your gums and bone can lead to loose teeth. In worse cases, gum disease destroys so much of the oral structures that teeth are lost entirely.

Gum disease diminishes your confidence

The effects of gum disease are more than just physical. The changing look of your smile can make it difficult to feel confident. Swollen gums, tartar buildup, darkening between your teeth, and more leave your smile looking less than attractive. Treating your gum disease not only improves the health and aesthetics of your smile but your self-confidence, too.

Schedule Your Consultation

Do you have symptoms of gum disease? Don’t put off seeking treatment from our periodontist. Your health and confidence depend on it! Schedule your gum disease treatment consultation today.

Yes, definitely! A three second kiss has been shown to transmit about 40 million saliva bacteria and parasites. It is important to get your spouse or anyone you kiss treated to avoid reinfecting yourself after treatment. Periodontal bacteria, caries bacteria, and parasites can also be transmitted to your children starting when they are young.

You can also get periodontal disease bacteria and parasites from your dog or cat, since they have a high rate of periodontal infection. Those lovable face licks can transmit periodontal disease. Ideally, start brushing your pet’s teeth when they are very young to get them used to it.

In addition, periodontal bacteria and parasites can be picked up from food and water, especially in the Caribbean. Drink only bottled water and avoid uncooked food in most developing countries. (See pages 23-24 for a questionnaire regarding the possible contamination sources for bacteria and parasites causing periodontal disease.)

Is Periodontal Disease Hereditary?

No. It is a bacterial and protozoan infection transmitted from others as discussed above. However, an increased susceptibility to this infection can be inherited. According to one recent study, up to 50% of the population may have some genetic susceptibility to periodontal disease. A commercially available test has recently been developed to test for eight genetic markers, genetic variations involved in bone resorption and the inflammatory response. (See next page.) We advise this test when patients tell us they have several family members with periodontal problems. In addition to heredity, other major risk factors are smoking and diabetes. However, if you control the bacteria and protozoans causing the infection, no periodontal disease will occur even if you have any of these risk factors.

For More information, read “Diagnosing and Treating Oral Diseases and Orofacial Pain”.

There are seven key questions we advise patients to ask when searching for a periodontist.

1. Does the periodontist treat the actual bacterial cause of periodontal disease, or does the periodontist just cut away at the resultant pockets? (See Laboratory Report of a culture that identifies the actual cause of periodontal disease and the appropriate antibiotic to use on page 20.)

2. When treating periodontal disease, does the periodontist use the state-of-the-art Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP), which causes minimal discomfort and stimulates the growth of new bone? (See X-rays on following page.) Or does the periodontist use conventional painful cutting and stitching surgery?

3. For unsightly gum recession, does the periodontist use the much gentler Chao Pinhole gum rejuvenation technique which uses no scalpels? Or does the periodontist use conventional surgery that creates a painful wound on the roof of the mouth?

4. Is the periodontist very concerned about my comfort? Does the periodontist offer sedation for anxious patients? Or does the periodontist only use local anesthetic shots?

5. Is the periodontal practice privately-owned and operated in the community for many years focusing first on my needs? Or is it a corporately-owned practice managed by MBAs from afar focused on daily production goals?

6. Is the periodontist available in one office five days a week to attend to my concerns? Or does the periodontist travel to many different offices and only visit my dentist’s office a couple of days per month?

7. Are the periodontist and staff friendly and personable and have great Google reviews? Do they take the time to listen to my concerns, and then do a comprehensive examination and tailor a treatment plan specific to my needs and desires?

To learn more, read “Saving Your Teeth, Implants, and Your Health,” by Dr’s. McCawley.