Periodontal Disease: The Main Facts Any Patient Should Know

Looking after your smile takes more work than only making sure your teeth are shiny and even. Your gums play a vital role in your oral wellbeing, along with your general wellness. Since many local residents may think their gums are healthy, they are frequently surprised if they are alerted otherwise. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an oral condition that impacts the gums that surround an individual’s teeth. The disease’s symptoms typically occur without pain. Multiple studies have shown a connection that pairs gum disease and seemingly unrelated health concerns, such as diabetes, heart disease, strokes, and some cancers, in addition to tooth loss.

However, there is excellent news: Gum disease can be prevented with routine dental care. The simplest method to prevent periodontal disease is to receive oral care from talented dental practitioners, like the team at DentalWorks – Canton Ford. Our practitioners have comprehensive knowledge and expertise in the field of periodontal dentistry to diagnose various concerns and treat gum disease.

THE ESSENTIAL FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Also called gum disease, gum disease is, in simplest terms, an infection in the gum tissue. Your gumline is the internal tissue that serves to keep your teeth in their appropriate positions. Improper oral health could lead a sticky substance known as plaque to build up and harden around the gum tissue. While brushing and flossing might remove some of the bacteria, plaque that’s not eradicated will become tartar and harden onto your enamel. Only a dental cleaning provided by a dental practitioner or dental assistant can efficiently eliminate tartar.

While collecting on the teeth, tartar and plaque work in tandem to bring about a mild form of gum disease called gingivitis. Gingivitis arises when plaque builds up on the enamel and prompts the surrounding gum tissue to become red and puffy. Plaque creates toxins that aggravate your gum tissues, which triggers them to be sensitive and swollen and, generally, leading to bleeding.

GUM DISEASE SIDE EFFECTS TO KNOW

Well cared for gums are firm, pink, and fit snugly around your teeth. The primary symptoms of gum disease are often hard to detect by a normal person. It is crucial to arrange routine appointments with our dentists at DentalWorks – Canton Ford. Our dentists will work to detect the tell-tale warning signs of periodontal disease during routine cleanings and dental evaluations. Symptoms of affected gums include swelling, bright red tissue, sensitivity, bleeding, disconnecting from the tooth, excess spaces between your teeth, halitosis, missing teeth, problems biting, and differences with your dental alignment.

INDIVIDUALS WITH PERIODONTAL DISEASE HAVE ACCESS TO NUMEROUS ADVANCED THERAPY SOLUTIONS

When individuals get to the more progressed phases of gum disease, they may need surgical solutions. Our dentists in Canton, MI provide several advanced gum procedures, including gum tissue transplanting, gingival flap surgery, and more.

Periodontal disease usually leads the gumline to diminish, which will expose a portion of the roots of the teeth. To fix your gum tissue, our doctors may provide a gum graft procedure. Usually, your own connective tissue is used to carry out this operation. The grafted tissue will be taken from the upper part of your mouth and reattached to your gumline, which will address the root exposure.

Periodontal surgery will often benefit patients in Canton, MI with diagnosed periodontitis. Depending on the extent of your condition, there are three techniques we will likely incorporate: gingival flap surgery, gingivectomy, or gingivoplasty. Gingival flap surgery moves the gum tissue away from the enamel to gain access to the tooth roots and enable our dental practitioner to measure your situation. After this, we will carry out a deep cleaning to eradicate plaque and any infected tissue. The separated tissue is then moved and stitched in the proper place. In contrast, a gingivectomy removes and reshapes a portion of the seriously diseased tissue. This procedure is generally reserved for people whose condition is further along. Lastly, a gingivoplasty is, at times, a cosmetic dental procedure that improves and repositions your gums when your periodontal disease has been dealt with, returning their ideal quality and appearing more natural.

UNCOVER HOW YOU CAN EVADE GUM DISEASE BY IMPLEMENTING THESE FIVE MEASURES

The most effective way to evade periodontal disease is to practice a good oral health regimen. Following this helpful checklist can help ensure that your unique smile lasts for years to come:

Flossing your pearly whites is essential for optimal dental care.

Local residents must clean their teeth at least two times a day.
Those who brush their teeth after eating help to eradicate tartar and bacteria lodged in between their gum tissue and teeth. It’s just as vital to not overlook your tongue. Utilize your smooth-bristled brush to scrub your tongue, as this could get rid of leftover bacteria.


It can be challenging to know which oral care products are the most effective. As you’re browsing, choose a fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouth rinse. When combined, the two products can prolong the time it takes for bacteria and tartar to gather on the enamel.

Strive to visit your dental care provider twice yearly.
Arrange visits with your dental care provider two times annually for an oral health assessment and professional cleaning. Dental checkups enable the dentists at DentalWorks – Canton Ford to catch issues like gingivitis when they first appear. To help people with dental fears, our Canton, MI office uses numerous sedation techniques to relax your nerves. This way, you can have your checkups and professional cleanings with ease.

Cease your tobacco dependence.
Individuals who consume tobacco products (including dipping, smoking, or vaping) are more likely to wind up with periodontal disease and certain cancers. Tobacco consumption is detrimental to the immune system. This can make it less easy for your body to fend off inflammation and heal later on.

SHIELD YOUR GUMS FROM DAMAGE AND RECESSION

Preventive oral intervention is necessary in the fight against gum disease. Choose a dental care provider you trust, and make sure to come to their office every six months for examinations and cleanings. At DentalWorks – Canton Ford, our team is capable of preventing, diagnosing, and improving periodontal disease, as well as countless other dental wellness issues. Get in touch with our facility today to set up a one-on-one and start your path toward exceptional dental health.