Common periodontitis treatment for Arden area patients

Gingivitis, gum disease, and periodontal disease are all terms that are heard repeatedly, both inside and outside of the dentist’s office. We hear so much about these conditions, which are actually all directly linked to one another, that it is easy to think that our daily oral hygiene habits are doing enough to avoid their development.

Gum disease is experienced by well over half of the population at some point. This high percentage means that most people aren’t sure exactly how to keep bacteria from doing harm to teeth and gums.

Gum disease, which begins as gingivitis, develops when harmful bacteria in the mouth are not adequately removed, and subsequently feed on microscopic food particles that may be left after brushing. When a living creature eats, it produces waste. In the bacterial world, this waste is toxic and causes irritation to delicate gum tissue. The effects of harmful bacteria extend beyond the initial redness, swelling, and bleeding that can occur with gingivitis, which is why we place a high priority on recognizing and treating this early stage, before the advanced stages of gum disease can develop. In our Asheville practice, we approach gum disease proactively and offer various treatment options to combat the condition.

Various factors can impact bacterial activity on the gums, including:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Poor health
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Hormonal imbalance
• Crooked teeth
• Brushing too aggressively

In recognizing some of the common causes of gum disease, we help our patients minimize their risk. Daily brushing and flossing remain the most appropriate proactive approach to avoiding gum disease. It is recommended that two minutes of brushing be performed twice a day, and that effective flossing is performed daily. Skipping flossing can have a severe impact on oral health, as bacteria tend to hide between teeth where the toothbrush cannot reach.

If you notice that gums have become red or irritated, make sure that you are brushing and flossing as recommended, and contact our office for a professional evaluation. When we treat gum disease in its earliest stage of gingivitis, there is a good chance we can reverse the condition and get you back to your healthiest smile.