A number of products are available to control infection and reduce inflammation. What it Is Why it’s Used How it’s Used Colgate Total – triclosan and fluoride toothpaste Over-the-counter toothpaste containing the antibacterial triclosan The antibacterial ingredient reduces plaque and resulting gingivitis. The fluoride protects against cavities. Used like a regular toothpaste Peridex or generic [...]
-Curettage — a scraping away of the diseased gum tissue in the infected pocket, which permits the infected area to heal. -Flap surgery — involves lifting back the gums and removing the tartar. The gums are then sewn back in place so that the tissue fits snugly around the tooth. This method also reduces the [...]
Antibiotic treatments can be used either in combination with surgery and other therapies, or alone, to reduce or temporarily eliminate the bacteria associated with periodontal disease. However, doctors, dentists and public health officials are becoming more concerned that overuse of these antibiotics can increase the risk of bacterial resistance to these drugs. When germs become [...]
The goal of periodontal treatment is to control any infection that exists and to halt progression of the disease. Treatment options involve home care that includes healthy eating and proper brushing and flossing, non-surgical therapy that controls the growth of harmful bacteria and, in more advanced cases of disease, surgery to restore supportive tissues. Although [...]
During a periodontal exam, your gums are checked for bleeding, swelling and firmness. The teeth are checked for movement and sensitivity. Your bite is assessed. Full-mouth X-rays can help detect breakdown of bone surrounding your teeth. Periodontal probing determines how severe your disease is. A probe is like a tiny ruler that is gently inserted [...]
Periodontal disease may progress painlessly, producing few obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease. Then one day, on a visit to your dentist, you might be told that you have chronic gum disease and that you may be at increased risk of losing your teeth. Although the symptoms of periodontal disease often [...]
In the broadest sense, the term gum disease — or periodontal disease — describes bacterial growth and production of factors that gradually destroy the tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth. “Periodontal” means “around the tooth.” Gum disease begins with plaque, which is always forming on your teeth, without you even knowing it. When it accumulates [...]
May-June 2002 Volume 36 Number 3 by Carol Lewis More than 75 percent of Americans over 35 have some form of gum disease. In its earliest stage, your gums might swell and bleed easily. At its worst, you might lose your teeth. The bottom line? If you want to keep your teeth, you must take [...]
Tell your dentist you have diabetes and ask him or her to show you how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. People with diabetes get gum disease more often than people who do not have diabetes. Gum infections can make it hard to control blood sugar. Once a gum infection starts, it can take [...]
Is There an Association Between Gum Disease and Diabetes? For the nearly 21 million Americans that have diabetes, many may be surprised to learn about an unexpected complication associated with this condition. Research shows that there is an increased prevalence of gum disease among those with diabetes, adding serious gum disease to the list of [...]