Gum Health
Maintaining or Renewing a Healthy Smile
Protecting Your Gum Health in Wakefield, MA
At the dental office of Jeffrey B. Kravitz in Wakefield, MA, we recognize that true oral health begins with healthy gums. Many patients mistakenly believe that tooth loss is primarily caused by decay. In reality, the leading cause is periodontal disease, or gum disease. This often progresses silently, with early symptoms of gum disease sometimes being as subtle as bleeding gums during brushing and flossing or slightly sensitive teeth.
If these warning signs are left untreated, the disease advances, leading to the destruction of the connective tissue and bone loss that support the teeth and gums. Once you reach advanced periodontitis, you may notice loose teeth or even lose teeth entirely. Dr. Kravitz and our dental professionals emphasize the importance of early intervention to treat gum disease and prevent this catastrophic outcome. We serve Wakefield and surrounding communities including Stoneham, Reading, and Melrose.
For an assessment of your gum health or to discuss periodontal treatment options, please contact our dental office in Wakefield at (781) 245-7714.
The Critical Link Between Gum Disease and Overall Gum Health
Important medical research from organizations like the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has established a stunning connection between the bacterial infection of periodontal disease and serious systemic diseases affecting the body. This is a crucial area of oral health that Dr. Kravitz takes seriously.
The bacteria that cause gum disease (a form of gum disease characterized by plaque buildup and inflammation) can move through the bloodstream. Studies indicate that this periodontal infection may contribute to the development of serious health conditions such as:
- Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease): The inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases the risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
- Stroke: Research suggests a connection between periodontal disease and an increased likelihood of strokes.
- Diabetes Mellitus: Gum disease can complicate the management of diabetes mellitus and vice versa, creating a dangerous cycle where the body’s immune system is compromised.
Given that the American Dental Association estimates a vast majority of Americans have some stage of gum disease, addressing poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup is not just about saving your teeth—it’s about protecting your entire health.
Recognizing the Early Warning Signs and Risk Factors
Gum disease starts when dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on the surface of the teeth. If plaque buildup is not removed through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which irritates the gum tissue. This leads to the early stages of periodontal gum disease, called gingivitis.
Symptoms of gum disease you need to watch for include:
- Swollen gums that are dark red or purple.
- Bleeding gums easily when you brush your teeth or floss.
- Receding gums, making teeth appear longer as the gum tissue pulls away from your teeth.
- Chronic bad breath.
Besides poor oral hygiene, other possible risk factors include poor nutrition, hormonal changes, certain health conditions, and genetic predisposition. Maintaining regular dental checkups allows Dr. Kravitz to use a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the periodontal pockets around the affected teeth to catch the disease early.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options
The good news is that for cases of early stages or moderate periodontitis, surgical treatment is often avoidable. Dr. Kravitz is highly skilled in nonsurgical treatment options that can effectively treat gum disease and virtually halt its spread when coupled with consistent good oral hygiene. These procedures are usually covered under most dental insurance plans.
Scaling and Root Planing
The cornerstone of nonsurgical treatment is scaling and root planing (root planing). This professional cleaning goes deeper than a routine cleaning:
- Scaling: The dental hygienist uses specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar both above and below the gum line, reaching the bottom of the periodontal pockets.
- Root Planing: This step involves smoothing the tooth’s root surfaces. This removes bacterial toxins and makes it more difficult for new plaque buildup to attach, encouraging the gum tissue to reattach to the teeth and form healthy gums.
ARESTIN™: Targeted Antibiotic Therapy
Dr. Kravitz is pleased to offer patients a potent weapon in the battle against gum disease called ARESTIN™. This nonsurgical treatment is delivered directly to the infected gum tissue following scaling and root planing.
ARESTIN™ works by:
- Direct Delivery: The medication is delivered in a powder form containing invisible microspheres, right into the deep periodontal pockets.
- Time-Released Antibiotic: The medication delivers a time-released antibiotic directly to the infected gum tissue.
- Bacterial Destruction: ARESTIN™ destroys the bacteria causing gum disease, providing targeted support to control the infection.
The part that patients appreciate is that this application is painless!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and scaling and root planing?
A regular professional cleaning focuses on cleaning the surfaces of the teeth above the gum line to prevent gum disease. Scaling and root planing (root planing) is a nonsurgical treatment for moderate periodontitis that goes much deeper. It involves cleaning the surfaces of the tooth’s root inside the periodontal pockets to remove plaque and bacteria, allowing the gum tissue to heal and potentially reattach to the teeth.
Is periodontal disease contagious, or what are the primary risk factors?
While periodontal disease is not contagious in the traditional sense, the bacteria that cause it can be shared through saliva. However, the primary risk factors are your body’s response to the bacteria. These include poor oral hygiene leading to high plaque buildup, tobacco use, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, and genetic predisposition. Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent the disease, regardless of shared bacteria.
What happens if severe gum disease is left untreated?
If advanced gum disease (chronic periodontitis) is left untreated, the consequences are severe: continued bone loss around the teeth leading to loose teeth and inevitable tooth loss. Furthermore, the chronic infection can increase your risk factors for serious systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and complications with diabetes mellitus. Treatment is essential to protect both your oral health and your general health.
Schedule Your Periodontal Assessment Today
If you have been advised you need gum surgery or are concerned about receding gums or loose or sensitive teeth, you will be happy to know it’s possible to manage and even halt gum disease with effective nonsurgical treatment at our office.
Dr. Kravitz and his team are ready to help you achieve healthy gums and protect your entire body from the systemic effects of periodontal disease. Take the first step toward renewing a healthy mouth and a lasting beautiful smile.
Call our dental practice in Wakefield at (781) 245-7714 today to schedule your comprehensive dental checkup and periodontal assessment.