Why Study Gum Disease?

At Cranford Dental we are concerned about Gum Disease.  Gum disease, or Periodontal Disease, is a growing problem as we live longer and need our teeth for healthy lifestyles.

Gum disease is the major enemy of natural teeth as we age— leading to the loss of teeth and gums.  We want to make sure that we never have a patient experience the agony of losing teeth.  With proper dental care our teeth should last a lifetime.

Our dentists and hygienists recently began a study of gum disease.   We studied the biology of the disease and how it relates to overall health and researched diagnostic and treatment methods.  With the help of Rachel Wall of Inspired Hygiene we implemented a plan that would assure consistent care for all patients.

The team enjoyed Inspired Hygiene’s intense study.  Thanks, Rachel Wall—for sharing your expertise.

 

    

What is Gum Disease?

•  Bacterial infection of the gums— Not all patients with gum disease will have symptoms, but some of the long-term symptoms and effects of gum disease are: bad breath, swollen and red gums, bleeding gums (healthy gums do not bleed when you brush!), tender/painful gums, shifting of teeth, loose teeth due to bone loss.

• The number one cause of tooth loss in the US is gum disease.

•  Gum disease is an active infection in your mouth.  The bacteria in your mouth can enter the bloodstream and make it more difficult to control conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

What causes Gum Disease?

• Periodontal (gum) disease is caused when bacterial plaque adheres to your teeth above or below the gum line.

• Some patients are genetically more prone to gum disease than others. A family history of periodontal disease equals a higher risk for developing gum disease.  One indication of a genetic predisposition to periodontal disease is having parents or grandparents who wore partials or dentures.

• We now know that early detection of gum disease is necessary for patients who want to keep teeth for a lifetime.  Dentures are no longer a necessary part of the aging process.

Do I have Gum Disease?

Your hygienist will evaluate the health of your teeth and gums and talk to you about gum disease.  She will use radiographs to evaluate bone loss around your teeth and do a gentle probing to determine the overall health of your gums.  The probe measures whether or not there are any sites of infection around your teeth.  She will also make a record of any areas that bleed.

What should I do if I have Gum Disease?

Your hygienist and dentist will develop a plan of treatment to make sure that gum disease does not cause further loss of bones or teeth.  They will educate and equip you to make sure your teeth last a lifetime.  Call our office at 803-324-7670 if you we can help with your personal situation.

The hygienists at Cranford Dental have developed a blog series on gum disease.  Check back during December to see how our hygienists answer these questions.

• How do I detect Gum Disease?

• How do I treat Gum Disease?

• How does Gum Disease affect my overall health?

• How do I prevent gum disease?

One of our Friday seminars on Gum Disease: