Dentist in Northwest Oklahoma City Performs Periodontal Treatment

It’s just a little blood in the bathroom sink–nothing to worry about, right? Wrong. Bleeding while you brush your teeth signifies gum disease. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research says periodontal disease is today’s number one cause of tooth loss in the United States. Your dentist in Northwest Oklahoma City, Dr. Patrick Crowley, works to combat this oral health problem. He offers ways to treat it and strategies to prevent it.

What Does Gum Disease Look Like?

Sometimes, gum disease looks like nothing to the patient, but on oral examination, Dr. Crowley often sees:

• Reddened, swollen gum tissue
• Periodontal pockets (spaces between the gums and teeth) of greater than three millimeters in depth
• Pus
• Loose teeth
• Changes in dental bite
• Exposed tooth roots (a long tooth appearance)

In addition, many individuals with gum disease have persistent bad breath that does not respond to toothbrushing or mouthwashes. Even more worrisome is the systemic effect that the bacteria which overrun gum tissue have on overall health. People with periodontal disease also may have:

• High blood pressure
• Gum disease
• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Pregnancy complications
• Cardiovascular disease
• Dementia
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Some forms of cancer

The inflammation associated with gum disease appears to affect the entire body. That’s why physicians and dentists agree that preventing and treating this oral health problem is so important.

What’s the Cure for Gum Disease?

Unfortunately, periodontal disease is very destructive. Only mild gingivitis can be successfully eliminated with manual tooth scaling and root planing in your dentist’s office. This deep cleaning removes bacteria-filled plaque and tartar–the residues left over from carbohydrates we consume. At-home follow-up with twice daily brushing and daily flossing will keep your gums pink and healthy.

Deep cleaning also helps more advanced gum disease, but it cannot recover the gum tissue and bone that’s been lost. Dr. Crowley may use laser gum therapy to remove the diseased tissue without the use of scalpels and sutures. Using a focused beam of light, laser therapy disinfects and debrides gums, helping them to reattach to root surfaces. This innovative treatment reduces discomfort and speeds healing. Dr. Crowley often instills antibiotics at the gum line to cure the infection.

Can Gum Disease be Prevented?

While some individuals seem more prone to periodontal disease (diabetics, smokers and those whose family members have gum disease, as examples), everyone can work to maintain healthy gum tissue with:

• Staying hydrated
• Limiting sugars and carbohydrates (oral bacteria love them)
• Eating several servings of fibrous fruits and vegetables daily
• Brushing for two minutes twice a day with a soft brush
• Flossing daily
• Getting semi-annual examinations and hygienic cleanings at Bluff Creek Dental

Your Gums are Important

In fact, healthy gums make for strong teeth and a healthy you. If you notice any symptoms of gum disease or if it’s time for your six-month cleaning, please contact Bluff Creek Dental for an appointment.