Do You Have Periodontal Disease?

Do You Have Periodontal Disease?

Responsible for supporting/nourishing your teeth and protecting their supporting bone structure, our gums play an important role in your periodontal-diseaseoral health. Consequently, if the gums fall ill, your entire state of oral health can become threatened. Fortunately, our team of family dentists at Silverman & Associates in Bellmore and Bayside, NY, carefully watch gum tissue and educate patients about a dangerous condition called periodontal disease.

 

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that affects one's gum tissue, tooth roots, connective tissue, and jaw bone. The bacteria which causes this infection is also linked to many systemic diseases, as well, including diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and more.

The National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research states that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. Fortunately, it is preventable. Conscientious oral hygiene habits (both at home and in the dental office) remove bacteria-laden plaque and tartar. Left to accumulate, however, these biofilms degrade gums, expose tooth roots, and ultimately loosen teeth.

 

Do you have periodontal disease?

While the incidence of mild gingivitis and more serious periodontitis increases as people grow older, age is not a primary factor. Heredity plays a role, as does tobacco use, and men are twice as likely to develop gum disease as women are.

Here are some of the signs of periodontal disease that your Bayside family dentist looks for:

  1. Redness, tenderness, swelling
  2. Pimples on the gums
  3. Receding gum tissue and a "long in the tooth" appearance
  4. Exposed tooth roots
  5. Deep periodontal pockets as measured with a small metal probe at the dental office
  6. Shifting dental bite
  7. Loose teeth
  8. Bad breath
  9. Accumulated plaque and tartar
  10. Pain when biting and chewing

 

Treating periodontal disease

Mild cases respond well to careful brushing/flossing at home and routine cleanings at Silverman & Associates. However, other people may require a more involved intervention, such as:

  • Deep cleaning
  • Root planing
  • Antibiotic therapy
  • Gum grafting
  • Suture-less laser therapy

Of course, the best treatment for any oral health condition is prevention. Gum disease preventatives include:

  • A low-sugar, high fiber diet
  • Good hydration with several glasses of water every day
  • Twice daily brushing with a soft toothbrush for two minutes
  • Routine dental check-ups and professional cleanings semi-annually
  • Once-a-day flossing
  • Moderation in alcohol use
  • No tobacco or cigarettes

 

Have your best smile right now

Healthy gums are the foundation of oral health, so why not contact the family dentists at Silverman & Associates to arrange your six-month cleaning and examination? We have two offices open six days a week. For the Bellmore location, phone (516) 781-9700, and for Bayside office dial (718) 225-0515.

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Our Regular Schedule

Bayside Office

Monday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

7:00 am-1:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Bellmore Office

Monday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-7:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed