Do you ever think about your gums? You really should, especially given that their overall condition determines how long you can keep your teeth both healthy and intact. Here at Harken Dental Excellence in Spokane Valley, WA, your dentist, Dr. Brad Harken, looks for signs of gum disease and teaches his patients how to best maintain proper periodontal care—read on to learn how.
What is periodontal disease?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), this oral health problem affects almost 50 percent of the adult population in the United States, and can vary from mild gingivitis to aggressive periodontitis which can destroy gums, connective tissue, and bone. Furthermore, periodontal inflammation may lead to body-wide problems such as:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Hypertension
- Type-2 diabetes
- Dementia
- Arthritis
- Pregnancy and birth complications
Today, gum disease is also the leading cause of tooth loss among American adults.
How it develops
Bacteria thrives in the plaque and tartar that collects on and between teeth and under the gums. Fortunately, brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings, along with a healthy diet, all greatly reduce the build-up of these biofilms and their associated inflammation.
However, when people neglect good oral hygiene, regularly smoke, or drink excessively, periodontal problems inevitably come as a result. Add on hereditary factors and systemic health issues such as cancer, diabetes, and even menopause and puberty, gum disease can advance quickly.
Here at our Spokane Valley office, your dentist detects gum disease during routine in-office examinations. Possible symptoms include:
- Loose teeth
- Exposed roots (gum recession)
- Bad breath
- Pus in interdental spaces
- Excess plaque and tartar
- Bleeding, red, tender gums
- Darkened gum tissue
- Deep gum pockets as measured by periodontal probe
- Loss of bone in the jaw
What you can do
Much depends on the severity of your gum disease. For example, mild gingivitis responds well to a thorough professional cleaning, followed by twice-daily brushing and once a day flossing at home.
In the cases of more advanced periodontitis, deep tooth scaling, root planing, oral/locally-applied antibiotics, and even gum grafting may become necessary. Dr. Harken will guide you through the process step-by-step to ensure optimal comfort and to return your mouth to complete health.
We can help
At Harken Dental Excellence, Dr. Brad Harken and his caring team partner with their patients in achieving beautiful smiles that really last. Whether you need routine preventive care, complex restorations, a cosmetic makeover, or an emergency procedure, feel free to call our Spokane Valley office seven days a week for an appointment: (509) 924-7600.