Gum Disease Treatment For Comstock Park Patients
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can not only be sneaky, but it can also be destructive if left untreated. Gum disease is one of the most common dental issues affecting the general public. Dr. Hull and his caring team are experienced in treating and preventing gum disease with the latest in dental technology.
At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry near Grand Rapids, we can help patients suffering from periodontal disease to get their oral health back on track with effective and safe gum disease treatment.
Gum Disease and the Oral-Systemic Link
In recent years, countless medical studies have supported the link between oral health and a person’s overall health. This is commonly referred to as the oral-systemic link.
Porphyromonas Gingivalis, a bacteria that is primarily involved in gingivitis, has been located in several other parts of the body, including the brain. P. Gingivalis actually produces a protein that damages brain tissue. This, in turn, leads to memory loss, dementia, and potentially Alzheimer’s. In fact, one study found this protein to be present in 97% of their Alzheimer’s sample group.
All in all, leaving gum disease untreated is doing a disservice to more than just your mouth. Keeping your teeth healthy and clean will benefit your entire body!
Diagnosing Periodontal Disease
Every mouth is full of bacteria. This bacteria often clings to the plaque in our mouths. Brushing and flossing can usually rid your mouth of the plaque and bacteria, but if left unchecked, the bacteria-filled plaque can harden into tartar. This tartar can become harmful if not removed, which leads to gum disease.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Red or swollen gums.
- Painful chewing.
- Sensitive teeth.
- Receding gum line.
- Bleeding gums.
- Tender gums.
- Persistent bad breath.
If you are suffering from these symptoms, it is important to get effective treatment quickly, as the disease can lead to increasingly damaging issues for your mouth and the rest of your body.
Gum Disease Treatment Options
If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, successful treatments are available. The dental hygienist team working with Dr. Hull have been exclusively trained to treat gum disease. After a careful diagnosis, we will build you a treatment plan that is custom-designed to address your individual needs.
Our office is excited to offer Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR) to treat your gum disease. This gum disease treatment is non-surgical and works by using lasers to reduce the bacteria in your mouth. These lasers also remove local irritants from the root surfaces to help reduce inflammation.
Laser Bacterial Reduction is the latest in dental technology to help you keep your gums at their absolute healthiest.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
The best way to prevent gum disease is to keep your gums and teeth healthy. This can be done by:
- Flossing daily to remove plaque in between teeth.
- Brushing twice daily.
- Scheduling routine dental cleanings yearly.
- Avoiding smoking.
Air Polishers
We recently added air polishers to our treatment options for periodontal treatment. This is an impressive technology that uses non-abrasive powders to remove biofilm on teeth. Air polishers are widely regarded as the best method for achieving this and the air polishers are able to remove biofilm without any damage to teeth. Removing biofilm is an important step in helping to prevent periodontal disease from setting in and is a great way of keeping teeth free of damaging bacteria buildup.
If you think you may have gum disease or have already been diagnosed, we are here to help. Have any questions about gum disease treatment or periodontal disease? Contact us today, and schedule an appointment with Dr. Hull if you are in the Comstock Park area, including Grand Rapids!