Fighting Periodontal Disease

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s important to show some extra care with your oral health. February is National Gum Disease Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the prevalence of periodontal disease and the consequences of allowing it to go untreated. According to the CDC, 70% of adults over 65 have some form of periodontal disease.

At Berdy Dental Group, we treat periodontal disease in our patients at all stages. We also pride ourselves on thoroughly reviewing periodontal disease treatment options so that patients can decide which course of action is best suited for them. 

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in plaque. As plaque builds up on the teeth, bacteria irritates and inflames gum tissue. If left untreated, this can cause the gums to recede, leading to bone or tooth loss. 

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

The main causes of periodontal disease include:

• Poor dental hygiene
  Practicing poor dental hygiene can be a primary cause of periodontal disease. If you do not brush and floss properly, plaque from everyday foods will build up on your teeth and cause bacteria to irritate your gums over time.
• Unhealthy diet
  Your diet plays a key role in your overall oral health. Drinking sugary sodas or eating acidic foods like candy can wreak havoc on your gum health. Sugars bind to your teeth, causing plaque to form and feeding bacteria that harms your gums.
• Medication, smoking, alcohol and drug use
  Certain medications can cause dry mouth or irritation of the gums, increasing the likelihood of periodontal disease. Additionally, alcohol and drug use, including tobacco, can contribute to periodontal disease.

How Can It Be Treated?

Depending on the severity, gum disease can be treated in many different ways:

• Professional cleaning and new oral care habits
  For gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease, treatment can be as easy as a professional cleaning from the dentist paired with new oral care habits. Creating a new routine of proper oral care can effectively reverse the damage from gingivitis and put your gums on a path to recovery.
• Other treatment options for early-to-advanced periodontitis
  At Berdy Dental Group, we offer many ways to treat more advanced gum disease, which include scaling, root planing, LANAP® (laser treatment), the Chao Pinhole^® Surgical Technique, bone grafting, soft tissue grafting and more. No matter the severity of your gum’s condition, our dentists can work with you to find the best treatment option.