How your dentist in White Lake, MI, can help with periodontal disease
There are lots of warning signs that can alert you to whether someone in your family has periodontal disease or not. Read on to learn some of them, and contact your family dentist, Dr. David J. Campbell in White Lake, MI, if you are at all concerned about the oral health of someone in your household.
More about periodontal disease
Gingivitis occurs before periodontal disease has a chance to develop, and fortunately, this condition can be reversed through the practice of excellent oral hygiene. Gingivitis can be prevented by:
- Brushing after meals and before bed
- Flossing at least once each day
- Visiting your dentist at least yearly for a dental exam, including x-rays
- Visiting your dental hygienist every six months for a professional dental cleaning
Both gum and periodontal disease are caused by the millions of harmful bacteria contained in the plaque that clings to your teeth. Gum disease only affects your soft tissue, which is why it can be reversed.
If gum disease goes untreated, harmful bacteria can spread into the bone supporting your teeth, causing destruction of the ligaments, fibers, and bone supporting your teeth. Unlike gum disease, periodontal disease can’t be reversed—it can only be managed to keep it from getting worse. To treat and manage periodontal disease, your family dentist may recommend:
- A deep cleaning of the pocket areas to reduce harmful bacteria levels and promote healthy tissue growth
- Scaling and root planing to clean and smooth root surfaces, thus preventing plaque and bacteria from clinging to root surfaces as easily
- Periodontal surgery to reduce pocket depths and make the mouth easier to keep clean and healthy
- Supportive periodontal therapy appointments every 3 to 4 months to clean and monitor the health of your mouth
Give us a call
To find out more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of periodontal disease, call your family dentist, Dr. David J. Campbell, in White Lake, MI, today!