Gum Disease Treatment IN Cincinnati, OH


Approximately 30% of adults suffer from gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, which is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. This chronic condition often leads to the need for dentures. Although it cannot be cured, it can be controlled through regular professional hygiene appointments and diligent home care.

Gum disease can progress silently, without any noticeable signs or symptoms. Many patients with periodontal disease are surprised by the rapid and silent damage it causes, as they may not experience any discomfort. To illustrate, imagine your gums and the bone surrounding your teeth as the foundation of a house. Just like a house, the foundation must be strong regardless of the house's appearance. When the foundation collapses, the entire structure crumbles.

Regular dental exams, professional cleanings, and proper home care practices are essential for detecting and managing periodontitis.


What Are The Reasons For Gum Disease?


There are millions of microorganisms in our mouths, some beneficial and some harmful. Plaque, a sticky substance made by bacteria, sticks to our teeth. Brushing and flossing can remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Tartar provides a breeding ground for microorganisms that release toxins into our gums.

When bacteria invade our gums, our immune system triggers an inflammatory response. This leads to the formation of small pockets of gum tissue at the base of each tooth. These pockets create an ideal environment for tartar and bacteria to thrive.

Early inflammation can result in gingivitis, which causes bleeding gums. If left untreated, bacteria in the periodontal pockets can cause a persistent infection. In some cases, the bone around the teeth may start to deteriorate. At this stage, there may be slight discomfort, but it becomes more serious when the bone begins to dissolve.

By the time you notice any looseness or pain, more than half of the bone around your teeth may have already disintegrated. As bacteria penetrate deeper into the gums, the bone loss becomes irreversible and difficult to control. If gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to abscesses and tooth loss in severe cases.

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Diagnosis


Before diagnosing gum disease, the dentist considers several criteria. The gum pocket surrounding each tooth is typically 2-3 millimeters deep, which can be easily cleaned with floss or toothpicks. Using a periodontal probe, Dr. Manju Kejriwal or our hygiene team can measure and record these areas. If these measurements exceed 3 millimeters and bleed when probed, it indicates periodontal disease.

In addition, Dr. Manju Kejriwal will examine the texture, form, and movement of your gums. Digital x-rays will also be used to assess the levels, form, and density of the bone surrounding your teeth. By gathering this information, a comprehensive understanding of your gum condition can be obtained.

Gum Treatment


After diagnosing the severity of your gum condition, we can develop a personalized treatment plan. In mild cases with minimal bone loss, one or two visits with our hygiene experts may be sufficient to bring the situation under control. Once you leave our office with a daily home care routine and professional maintenance in place, additional treatment may not be necessary.

If the inflammation has progressed and there is noticeable bone loss, it is important to take proactive measures to prevent further deterioration. We often recommend gum numbing and root planning or scaling. This involves deep cleansing a specific area of your mouth during multiple appointments. Using both hand and ultrasonic devices, we meticulously remove the diseased pocket around each tooth, including any mineralized tartar. This initial therapy is typically followed by polishing the teeth to create smooth surfaces that resist staining and plaque buildup.

To support your home care routine, Dr. Manju Kejriwal may suggest a medicated rinse, an electric or ultrasonic toothbrush, and other specific strategies. It's important to remember that gum disease can be managed but not cured. Regular home care is necessary to keep the condition under control.


MAINTAINING YOUR GUM IS IMPORTANT


It is crucial to maintain regular home care in order to prevent gum disease from advancing. Bacteria can quickly repopulate and adhere to the teeth within a few hours after cleaning. If plaque is left undisturbed, it will harden and mineralize within 24 hours. It is important to remember that deeper gum pockets require extra diligence to prevent bacteria from damaging the foundation of your teeth.

If you have gum pockets that have been previously damaged by bacteria, it can be challenging to clean them at home. Therefore, it is essential to have a faithful maintenance schedule with us. We can customize a plan for you that includes two, three, or four visits a year, depending on the severity of the disease, its response to treatment, and the consistency of your home care.

If our combined efforts do not effectively slow down or stop the progression of your gum disease, we may recommend a referral to a periodontist, who is a specialist in this field.


CONNECTION BETWEEN YOUR MOUTH AND BODY


Numerous studies have established a connection between oral bacteria and various health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and certain types of cancer. The understanding of the relationship between dental health and overall well-being has never been more comprehensive.

When gum bleeding occurs, it provides a direct pathway for oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream, leading to rapid spread throughout the body. Just like an open wound on the skin, bleeding gum tissue should be treated seriously to prevent infection. Researchers have discovered oral bacteria deposits in various parts of our bodies, further emphasizing the importance of addressing this issue.

In individuals with diabetes and other autoimmune diseases, the body's ability to fight infection is compromised, allowing gum disease to progress more rapidly and cause greater damage. Additionally, inflammation in the mouth has been linked to diabetes, making its management more challenging. This two-way association between chronic illnesses underscores the significance of maintaining proper dental hygiene.