Regular dental care is so important for maintaining a healthy (and happy!) mouth. Your periodontal hygiene is linked not only to your teeth and gums (and other areas of the mouth), but your entire body.
According to Everyday Health, “Research has linked oral health problems such as periodontal or gum disease to many health conditions, including diabetes, heart and kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, asthma, osteoporosis, and cancer.” While you may feel perfectly fine, undetected issues related to the mouth can worsen over time, leading to health problems down the road if not cared for before they have spread. This is why seeing us is a smart idea, no matter your status.
Professional Periodontal Care
Here at Stiles Dental Care, we strongly recommend regular dental checkups, and part of the protocol is a complete periodontal examination. When you are here in our good hands, we are thorough as can be, checking the areas between the teeth and gums with a periodontal probe (it’s small…don’t stress!) for signs of pockets (sulcus). The thought may make you cringe, but the process is virtually pain-free. We use the probe to navigate the space, and there is no bleeding to be concerned about if your gums are healthy. Once we assess these pockets, we can determine the state of your mouth’s health, and make an informed diagnosis if signs of disease (or any onset) are observed.
The Onset Of Periodontal Disease
The depth of your pockets helps us better understand your oral health status in terms of periodontal disease. Gingivitis is the first sign of periodontal disease. Perhaps you have noticed some tenderness, inflammation, or mild irritation, which is caused by plaque and bacteria. Your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth, even when you do so gently. Before coming in for an appointment, take note of these changes and discuss with the dentist while you’re in the chair.
Problems And Progression
If things are left to fester, periodontal disease will worsen, leading to periodontitis. As the plaque hardens and forms tartar, the gums will begin to recede, creating deeper pockets where harmful bacteria can enter. The symptoms of gingivitis as mentioned above will inevitably become more severe, and this could eventually lead to bone loss. By now, the issue has taken on a life of its own. As periodontitis exacerbates into advanced periodontitis, tooth support begins to weaken, gum tissue is severely damaged or destroyed, and bone and ligament loss worsens. Tooth loss is common, and by this stage, one’s overall health may be compromised in one of the ways Everyday Health explains above. Aside from the pain and discomfort this periodontal distress will no doubt cause, more severe problems are potentially on the horizon.
DIY Dental Care And Checkups
Protection and proactive care is your number one shield against developing periodontal disease. Brush and floss twice per day (or more if need be), and do it well. Come into our office for regular dental checkups and cleanings, and when something just doesn’t feel right, schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience. Catching issues before they progress is essential in keeping yourself safe and healthy. Waiting for the problem to “go away” never seems to turn out well. Nip it in the bud while there is still a fighting chance of salvaging your smile.
The Worries And What Ifs?
If you are nervous about a periodontal examination…don’t be! You are certainly not alone, but we ensure you that your fears will fade fast. We’ve got the top-notch tools and techniques to make your dentist visit as comfortable as possible, and we will carefully explain what we are doing every step of the way. Your experience will be just fine, and if we find any evidence of periodontal disease progressing, you will be glad you are being treated in time. While you are here, a thorough dental cleaning and overall oral exam will give you peace of mind that your oral hygiene is up to par. You owe it to yourself to be healthy, and the Stiles Dental Care team is here to make sure you are well taken care of. It’s our mission to treat our patients like family.
Let’s Do It! Set Up Your Next Visit With Stiles Dental Care
Do you have any questions about periodontal care not addressed above or regarding any other dental services, issues, pain, or restorative or cosmetic dental procedures? Please give us a call at 609-451-2562 or email us at medfordsmiles@gmail.com. You may also book an appointment online here. Our friendly and knowledgeable office staff is here to address your questions and concerns, and we will get you set up with an appointment as soon as possible. We are conveniently located in Medford, New Jersey, and we are open from Monday-Friday. We look forward to seeing you and treating you well!
