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Did you know that your oral health can offer clues to your overall health? Problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body, further proving the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene. Your teeth and gums speak volumes about your overall well-being and researchers continue to look at the links between cavities, gum disease, and heart disease. Many U.S. adults currently have some form of gum disease ranging from simple gum inflammation to serious damage of the tissue and bone supporting your teeth. Gum disease is a serious issue, with health implications worsening as the condition develops, allowing it to spread to other areas of your body. Gum disease originates in the gums, where infections form from harmful bacteria and other matter left behind from eating. In many cases, gum disease can go unnoticed for months until damage is severe. What is Gum Disease? Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding a tooth, which is the leading cause of tooth loss. Once gum disease sets in, the toxins that are produced by the bacteria damage your teeth's connective tissue and bone. This can eventually destroy them and bring forth tooth loss. Some common signs of gum disease include: * Gums that bleed easily, especially during brushing
* Sensitive, red or swollen gums
* Bad breath
* Teeth that are loose or appear to have shifted There are a number of causes of gum disease which can be corrected and controlled. One cause of gum disease includes improper dental hygiene. If plaque is not properly removed through daily dental hygiene practices and regular professional dental cleaning, bacteria may set in and cause gingivitis, the earliest sign of gum disease. Other causes of gum disease include organic changes in the mouth, medical conditions, saliva flow inhibitors and poor functional habits, such as teeth grinding. Treat Gum Disease with PerioLase Lasers are quickly becoming a main staple in dental offices and can be extremely effective in treating gum disease. PerioLase is a laser that is designed to aid in nonsurgical periodontal therapy or "deep cleaning," along with other periodontal modalities. PerioLase has revolutionized gum therapy in more ways than one. It shortens gum therapy from months to weeks, but it also significantly reduces patient discomfort. In the past, gum surgery typically took place over several months: healing time, follow-up appointments and suture removal. With PerioLase, there is no cutting involved and, depending on the degree of damage, most treatments are complete in just two 2-hour sessions. Healing with PerioLase is also faster and, in some cases, recovery can be less than 24 hours. This means you can return to your normal, everyday activities in no time. If you have gum disease, talk to your Amherst dentist for more information on how PerioLase can help eliminate your problem. You will experience less bleeding and less swelling during and after periodontal therapy, making way to a beautiful, healthy smile.
Sean Hartmen writes for premier Amherst dentist, Dr. Robert LaCarruba. A native of Long Island, New York, Dr. LaCarruba received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine in 1996. Offering services in veneers, implants, six month braces and sedation, Dr. LaCarruba, dentist in Amherst, is committed to quality dental care.
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