Proper gum care starts at an early age. Eating well, brushing, and flossing are all habits we’re smart to learn at a young age. Sometimes, though, poor hygiene gets the better of us. After some time, the accumulation of plaque can breed gum disease. Have you noticed sharp pains in your gums? This could be a sign that you need to see a Miami dentist soon.
Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:
Our Valentine’s Invisalign Special is already generating buzz, but we nonetheless must turn our attention to a growing concern for many adults: gum disease. This disease affects a large population of Americans, leading to severely infected gums and tooth loss. Moreover, a growing body of research links this disease with other serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease (i).
A Gum Disease Overview
Health professionals often refer to gum disease as periodontal disease. This disease is bacterial, resulting from negligent tooth and gum care. Most commonly, food particles that are left untouched form plaque between the teeth and along the gum line. Once this plaque forms, swarms of bacteria breed, feeding on the plaque to grow and reproduce. These bacteria do not stay on the surface, however. They dive into the gums, affecting the roots of the teeth, spreading to the jawbone if left untreated. Once bacteria forms and begins to infect the gums, patients may experience:
- Swelling of the gums, at or around the site of the infection.
- Bleeding of the gums around the gum line, usually noticeable when brushing.
- Sharp sensations of pain in the gums surrounding the affected area.
- Receding gums.
- An uncomfortable bite, signaling that teeth have separated from on another due to gum loss.
Perio Protect Treatment
Perio Protect is a system developed specifically to combat gum disease. Over time, Perio Protect has the ability to reverse the signs of gum disease. Depending on the severity of the condition, proper use of the Perio Protect system may fully restore gums to their natural condition. Proper use of the system happens in two phases.
Phase one consists of a deep cleaning to remove existing plaque and tarter from the enamel of the tooth at the gum line. The scope of a deep cleaning is much greater than that of a normal dental cleaning and is typically more time consuming. It is well worth the time, however. A deep cleaning has the potential to remove most of the plaque that accumulates and leads to gum disease.
Phase two marks the beginning of the Perio Protect portion of the treatment. Your Miami dental professional will take impressions of your teeth and create a pair of custom mouth trays to fit securely around the teeth of your upper and lower jaw. Once these trays are created, your dentist will prescribe a solution of antibacterial oxidants specifically formulated to combat your periodontal infection. Clinical research indicates that the oxidative chemical structure of the Perio Protect prescription solution significantly reduces the biofilm on teeth (ii).
Translation: This stuff works.
For more information on treating gum disease with the Perio Protect system, contact your local dentist in Miami today!
(i) http://www.perio.org/consumer/disease_facts.htm
(ii) http://www.perioprotect.com/research.asp
