Risk Factors Affecting the Gums of Fort Lauderdale Periodontic Patients

The following is a great overview of some of the more common factors that impact the health of your gums and teeth.

The American Academy of Periodontology is a wonderful resource for people who are concerned about their health, who are considering periodontics to help with current issues or who are studying up on procedures they may be scheduled for.

You can find the full article here at The American Academy of Periodontology by clicking here.

Age

Studies indicate that older people have the highest rates of periodontal disease. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that over 70% of Americans 65 and older have periodontitis.

Smoking/Tobacco Use

Tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems. Tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease. Studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.

Genetics

Research has indicated that some people may be genetically susceptible to gum disease. Despite aggressive oral care habits, these people may be more likely to develop periodontal disease. Identifying these people with a genetic test before they even show signs of the disease and getting them into early intervention treatment may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.

Stress

Stress is linked to many serious conditions such as hypertension, cancer, and numerous other health problems. Stress also is a risk factor for periodontal disease. Research demonstrates that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.

Medications

Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medicines, can affect your oral health. Just as you notify your pharmacist and other health care providers of all medicines you are taking and any changes in your overall health, you should also inform your dental care provider.
Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth

Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal tissues are destroyed.

Other Systemic Diseases

Other systemic diseases that interfere with the body’s inflammatory system may worsen the condition of the gums. These include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Poor Nutrition and Obesity

A diet low in important nutrients can compromise the body’s immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection. Because periodontal disease begins as an infection, poor nutrition can worsen the condition of your gums. In addition, research has shown that obesity may increase the risk of periodontal disease.

More questions for a local periodontist? Let’s chat.

If you have questions for a periodontist – please contact our offices. We’d be happy to talk more with you!

Deerfield Beach office: (954) 427-5700

Are You At Risk For Gum Disease?

While you may not often think about the health of your gums, perhaps you should.

We find that in talking to our patients in the Fort Lauderdale area, most of them don’t give much thought to the condition of their gums and teeth unless, 1) they’re at the dentist, 2) they’re brushing or flossing, or 3) they’re experiencing pain in their mouth.

And outside of a dentist telling you, “you’re gums are really bad — you should see a specialist,” most people won’t schedule a visit to a periodontist until they’re experiencing consistent pain with their gums, their teeth or jaw.

Gum disease is a sneaky issue. Generally, once the pain begins, you’ve already been subject to the advances of gum disease. The pain is symptomatic of “deeper issues” and shows when the disease has progressed.

At this point, intervention from an experienced periodontist is your next step.

So, how might you ward off gum disease in the future?

First, it’s important to know that the main cause of gum disease (periodontal disease) is plaque, but other factors affect the health of your gums, including:

Age
Smoking/Tobacco Use
Genetics
Medications
Other Systemic Diseases
Poor Nutrition and Obesity

If you take into account the factors that impact your chances of getting gum disease, you can make a plan to try and avoid it’s advances.

While you can’t avoid getting older, you can take better care of your health by eating correctly and exercising regularly. You can quit or cut back on smoking. You can brush and floss more often and schedule regular visits to your dentist.

You may also want to talk to your doctor or dentist to better understand the impact of your medication on your oral health (if you’re taking medications). The same can be said for medical issues and genetics — your doctor(s) should be able to give you an overview of your condition and how it may be related to your oral health.

For more information, visit the American Academy of Periodontology.

More questions for a local periodontist? Let’s chat.

If you have questions for a periodontist – please contact our offices. We’d be happy to talk more with you!

Deerfield Beach office: (954) 427-5700

What is Gum Recession?

What is gum recession?

Gum recession is when there is loss of gum tissue along the gumline.

There are a number of reasons why this can happen; periodontal disease (gingivitis, periodontitis, advanced periodontitis)…the natural aging process…even aggressive brushing.

Recession can also be caused by gum infection and facial piercings, oddly enough.

It can be made worse by changes in hormones, smoking and tobacco related products, clenching and grinding, and misaligned teeth.

Who gets recession?

Anyone can get recession.

Recession is when the tissue around your teeth moves away from your tooth, resulting in your teeth looking longer, and more of the root being exposed.

Why do I need my recession corrected?

When this occurs, this root surface is very vulnerable to getting cavities as it wasn’t designed to be exposed.

If not enough protective tissue is there, gum recession may continue even faster, leading to sensitivity and vulnerability to decay.

You are more likely to lose a tooth as a direct consequence of exposed roots getting decay, which is why it is important to correct the recession.

Recession is much easier to treat earlier rather than later, so early detection is key!

Concerned about the health of your teeth? Let’s chat.

If you have questions for a periodontist – please contact our offices. We’d be happy to talk more with you!

Deerfield Beach office: (954) 427-5700

A Closer Look at Gum Disease (with Illustrations)

Gum disease can be devastating to your teeth, gums, and bone

If you’ve been told you have gum diseased — or have been diagnosed by your dentist or periodontist — you’re likely to have some questions.

Gum disease can have significant negative consequences on your oral and overall health.

A look at the 3 stages…

1 ) — Gingivitis
2 ) — Periodontitis
3 ) — Advanced Periodontitis

Stage 1: Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the onset of gum disease.

If the plaque that builds up on your tooth surface is not cleared away with proper brushing and flossing, bacteria will become trapped within the plaque.

The bacteria grow and irritate your gum tissue, resulting in red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush and floss.

Treatment of gingivitis, before the infection progresses to its next stage, is the best course of action.

Stage 2: Periodontitis

Periodontitis is the second stage of gum disease. It is characterized by the damage of the connective fibers and bone that surrounds your teeth, holding them in place.

Your gum tissue will pull away from the teeth and begin to recede, lowering your gum line.

As the gums detach from the tooth surface, they form deep pockets, creating a place for more bacteria to accumulate.

In addition, the toxins produced by the bacteria may also emit an odor, resulting in bad breath.

Stage 3: Advanced Periodontitis

Advanced periodontitis is the final stage of gum disease. At this point, your connective fibers, bone, and gum tissue will be devastated by the infection.

Consequently, your teeth will eventually loosen without their support.

Your gums, which are meant to provide a barrier to infection, will erode, leaving your tooth surface exposed to disease and decay.

Immediate treatment is necessary to save your teeth and bone.

Concerned about the health of your teeth? Let’s chat.

If you have questions for a periodontist – please contact our offices. We’d be happy to talk more with you!

Deerfield Beach office: (954) 427-5700

How Are Gum Diseases Treated?

A common question we’re asked by our patients in our Ft. Lauderdale and Deerfield Beach offices is…”How Are Gum Diseases Treated?”

The answer?

Well…in a variety of ways, most of which are dependent on the individual patient’s specific condition.

Overall, however, gum disease is mostly controlled and prevented by controlling infection. To control infection the dentist or hygienist removes plaque that contains harmful bacteria.

Sometimes the dentist will prescribe an antibacterial mouth rinse or an antibiotic that will help kill the germs that are causing periodontitis.

And sometimes, more direct procedure will be suggested. Most often, this is done by scaling and root planing.

Scaling and Root Planing Treatments

These are deep cleaning procedures that remove tartar from above and beneath the gum surface.

Planing the tooth removes rough edges where bacterial plaque gathers and allows the gum tissue to heal closer to the tooth thus eliminating pockets.

After these procedures are completed it is very important that you brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent plaque from building up again.

Note: Scaling and root planing may have to be repeated every three to four months. There are times when this conservative treatment is not enough and surgery is required.

More questions for a local periodontist? Let’s chat.

If you have questions for a periodontist – please contact our offices. We’d be happy to talk more with you!

Deerfield Beach office: (954) 427-5700

Why Must I Continue My Periodontal Maintenance Program?

With half of the adult population of the United States suffering from some form of gum disease, it’s imperative that, once noticed by your dentist of periodontist, you maintain a proper maintenance program.

For some people, their issues might be minor (but indicative of increasing disease). For others, their symptoms — and pain — may be at a level that requires them to become patients with our periodontists.

And as you age, generally the risk of advanced gum disease increases too…unless you maintain an active oral health program of brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist.

Once you have been diagnosed and treated for gum disease, it is important to schedule regular appointments to have periodontal maintenance cleanings and have your doctor monitor any areas that have the potential to relapse.

This early detection and treatment protocol can help prevent damage to your teeth and further gum pain.

Tell me more about Gum Disease…

Gum disease, once present, is never cured as the bacteria that cause the infection will continue to accumulate and need to be cleared away in a continuous cycle.

Gum disease must be treated and then controlled. To maintain the health of their teeth and gums, we advise our patients to schedule treatment on a regular basis.

Periodontal maintenance is a key factor in controlling and managing the bacteria that cause gum disease.

Remember…Periodontal Maintenance differs from regular cleanings in the following ways:

1 — Shorter duration in between appointments
2 — Deeper, more comprehensive cleanings
3 — Maintenance of gum tissue and management of bacteria

Regular treatment visits are important

While regular cleanings are generally performed at six month intervals, periodontal cleanings are scheduled more frequently.

The time between visits is based upon each individual patient’s condition, considering factors such as the rate at which plaque grows on your teeth, method of treatment, and response to treatment.

Periodontal cleanings are more extensive than regular dental cleanings. Your teeth are cleaned both above and below the gum line to remove bacteria and calculus.

Your mouth will be evaluated for changes in bite, gum tissue health, and periodontal pocket depths. It is essential that you inform us of any changes in your health, new medications, and any existing gum pain or symptoms at each visit.

Why must I continue with my program an visits?

The plaque that builds up on the teeth, and harbors bacteria, can harden into calculus and calculus cannot be removed with a toothbrush and floss.

It can only be removed by a dental professional.

In addition, the bacteria that cause gum disease must be managed.

More questions for a local periodontist? Let’s chat.

If you have questions for a periodontist – please contact our offices. We’d be happy to talk more with you!

Deerfield Beach office: (954) 427-5700

What is Scaling and Root Planning for Teeth?

If your local dentist suggest you see a periodontist for a ‘scaling and planning’ procedure, you might just ask “what is that?”

It’s a pretty common procedure for periodontists and for their patients, often a ‘first step’ in gum disease treatment.

Scaling:

When scaling is performed, calculus and plaque that attaches to the tooth surfaces is removed. The process especially targets the area below the gum line, along the root.

Scaling is performed with a special dental tool called an ultrasonic scaling tool. The scaling tool usually includes an irrigation process that can be used to deliver an antimicrobial agent below the gums to help reduce oral bacteria.

Root Planing:

Root planing is performed in order to remove cementum and surface dentin that is embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins and tartar.

The root of the tooth is literally smoothed, which promotes healing, and also helps prevent bacteria from easily colonizing in the future.

The Procedure:

At The Broward Center for Laser Periodontics & Implants, Dr. DeTure will only perform scaling and root planing after a thorough examination of the mouth, which may include taking x-rays and visually examining the mouth.

Depending on the condition of the gums, the amount of tartar present, the depth of the pockets, and the progression of periodontitis, Dr. DeTure may recommend scaling and root planing. In some cases, a local anesthesia may be used during the procedure.

Questions about gum disease treatments? Let’s chat.

If you have questions for a periodontist – please contact our offices. We’d be happy to talk more with you!

Deerfield Beach office: (954) 427-5700

5 Reasons Why My Are Gums Bleeding?

Bleeding gums are often a clear sign that you have periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease.

Depending how much your gums are bleeding and how often they’re bleeding is an indication of ‘how far along’ your gum disease may have progressed.

Below are 5 reasons why your gums might be bleeding. There are other reasons too, but if this is becoming a regular issue for you, you’ll want to schedule time with a periodontist or your dentist.

Quick: What exactly is gum disease? It’s a contagious bacterial infection can destroy your gums, erode your jawbone, and lead to tooth loss. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it.

Infection of your gums is caused by bacteria. First, they create the irritation to the gum tissue. Then there’s the body’s reaction — an inflammatory response.

Together, you’ve got inflamed, bleeding gums. The longer you have inflammation, the worse things can be for you, your gums, your teeth and your overall health.

Your oral hygiene’s is not good

Inadequate oral hygiene (generally made up of not brushing, flossing or visiting your dentist on a regular basis) will result in visible plaque on teeth and red swollen gums. Remember too, gum disease can move quickly and can be present without pain.

Your diet is too ‘sugar-based’

Your teeth don’t appreciate a poor diet. Mixing poor oral hygiene habits with improper diet can speed gum disease issues. Fruits and vegetables are much better for your teeth than processed foods fills with sugar.

You haven’t kicked the butts

Smokers are at a much higher risk for gum disease due to the toxins in cigarettes. They can create inflammation while decreasing the body’s immune response — that’s a bad combination.

You have a family history

35% of the population is born with a higher tendency to get periodontal disease. Are you one? Testing can be done to determine this — and your dentist may have given you indications that you’re more susceptible to gum disease.

Your medications are not helping you

Some medications interfere with the blood flow to tissues or hamper saliva flow. That can lead to dry mouth which offers you less ‘natural’ protection for your gums. Drinking good amounts of water to compensate can help.

Questions for a local periodontist? Let’s chat.

If you have questions for a periodontist – please contact our offices. We’d be happy to talk more with you!

Deerfield Beach office: (954) 427-5700

National Brush Day Helps Prevent Gum Disease

For only the third year, the American Dental Association is promoting its National Brushing Day on Nov. 1. Read more here.

Started in 2013, the event seeks to raise awareness for creating healthy habits when it comes to brushing teeth, flossing and seeing your dentist on a regular basis.

Healthy habits also help to reduce visits to specialists like periodontists who seek to provide treatment for patients with advanced gum disease.

The ADA also recommends these tips for brushing and maintaining a healthy mouth:

Choose a soft-bristled brush that fits your mouth, allowing you to reach all areas easily.
Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Gently move the brush back and forth in short, tooth-wide strokes.
Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.
Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and dental exams.

Searching for a periodontist? Let’s chat.

If you have questions for a periodontist – please contact our offices. We’d be happy to talk more with you!

Deerfield Beach office: (954) 427-5700

Periodontal Disease Is Insidious

We absolutely love this quote from Dr. Robert Holt of the Florida Institute for Periodontics & Dental Implants.

“Periodontal disease is insidious.”

In an article in Health News Digest, Dr. Holt goes on to say, “Many people suffer no discomfort in the early stages or ignore the red, swollen gums and bleeding that signal a problem. By the time they seek treatment, they often have advanced disease with bone loss so severe and teeth so loose that the teeth cannot be saved.”

Insidious is the correct term. Gum disease jumps quickly to full blow periodontal disease quickly and…sneakily.

The article goes on to talk about gum disease treatment through laser gum surgery, a service that we offer our patients in our Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach and Stuart Florida offices.

For many patients with periodontal disease, scaling and root planing treatment is not enough therapy and conventional cutting and suture surgery is too much treatment.

Laser surgery provides a much improved methods for saving teeth with advanced periodontal disease for those patients who want to save their teeth but do not want or are not good candidates for conventional surgery.

We can now sometimes save teeth that we would have extracted in the past. For most patients, laser surgery provides a realistic alternative with comparable results. Plus, there is very little discomfort with the procedure which is very important to our patients!

Searching for a periodontist? Let’s chat.

If you have questions for a periodontist – please contact our offices. We’d be happy to talk more with you!

Deerfield Beach office: (954) 427-5700