Cosmetic Dentistry Directory Blog

The early stage of gum disease is gingivitis and when it becomes severe, it is called periodontitis. By the time you have periodontitis, the gums are bleeding when you brush or floss, teeth are decaying and perhaps giving you a toothache or two, and bacteria have spread below the gumline on to the tooth roots and into gum tissue, spreading infection.

Further, you probably have breath odor (halitosis) and plaque on the teeth and gums has become hard tartar (calculus) and cannot be brushed off. The gum disease cycle is now established:

• Bacteria have multiplied and spread down between the teeth and their surrounding gums;
• The increased bacterial numbers and increased acidic excretions have enlarged those spaces, creating “pockets”;
• This added space enables bacteria to multiply more and their even greater numbers spread deeper down in the pockets and into gum tissue;
• Which further enlarges the pockets, loosening teeth and creating more space for more bacteria.

This vicious cycle could continue indefinitely, with bacteria ever multiplying and spreading, teeth ever more damaged, gums decaying, the jawbone eventually decaying, and at some point all teeth lost. For most people, a dentist intervenes before this point, and saves as many teeth as possible.

Periodontitis Treatment

Reversing this cycle can take many months, perhaps a year. We are fortunate in that modern dentists can use a soft tissue laser to quickly and painlessly remove decay and debris. This gives you a head start on your home dental care. Your dentist will probably recommend special toothpaste and a good mouthwash, and perhaps an electric toothbrush and a water pick.

For a mouthwash, it is best to avoid any that contain alcohol, as alcohol is drying to tooth enamel and can eventually cause cracks to form. Many dentists offer a tooth moisturizing treatment that helps restore water to the enamel. It is also best to avoid a mouthwash or toothpaste that contains chlorine, as chlorine is known to form carcinogenic compounds in the body.

Chlorine dioxide is a safe ingredient and very effective in killing bacteria without affecting helpful flora and fauna. It will also help to whiten your teeth. Read the product ingredients, starting at the end of the list where the most questionable ingredients are listed. Feel free to ask your dentist any questions that arise.

Your periodontitis treatment will require a series of dental visits for further laser cleaning and then for regular professional cleaning. To prevent bacteria from building up again, persistence and consistency will be important in your home care. When the gum disease is gone, you will be a candidate for cosmetic dentistry, as good dental health is the foundation of cosmetic smile enhancements.

If you would like to find an excellent cosmetic dentist in your area, please contact us today or use the map below.