Gum Health

Gum Disease Can Mean Tooth Loss

The major cause of tooth loss is gum disease. Common signs are bleeding gums from brushing or flossing and shifting or loose teeth. There may not be either of these symptoms until the problem is advanced, but the sooner treatment begins the better. If you wait too long, surgery may be necessary; otherwise, there are nonsurgical methods that work quite well to reverse this infection. 

Gum Disease Can Lead to Other Serious Health Problems

It is a shocking statistic, but the American Dental Association has identified that approximately 80% of the American population has gum disease at some stage. What's even worse is the information revealed by medical researchers. Infected gums play a role in the development or worsening of diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular problems. Dentists now regard gum infection as a national epidemic and a serious health problem.

As the bacteria infecting the gums travels throughout the bloodstream, it invades vital organs. The American Academy of Periodontology reports that "Studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases." Periodontal disease is characterized by bacterial infection of the gums.

Returning Gums to a Healthy State

We emphasize the importance of seeking our professional treatment at the first signs of gum disease. If you wait until the infection is severe, surgery may be necessary. Although surgery will reverse the condition, there are nonsurgical methods that combat the problem, but only in the more moderate stages of the disease. With improved daily hygiene, the gums will stay clean and healthy. Both treatments are covered under most dental insurance plans.

Problems that Can Result from Missing Teeth

Most people seem to think that having a missing tooth is no big deal, other than detracting from the appearance of your smile. But even one absent tooth in your dental arch can cause other problems. A full set of teeth provides proper chewing and helps obtain the most nutrients from your food. If chewing natural foods becomes difficult, softer, higher-calorie foods may be eaten more often, which may lead to weight gain. Your smile becomes less attractive with missing teeth, and with many or certain missing teeth and the resultant loss of bone, your face will start to sag and make you look older than you really are. Speech can be affected, which can cause embarrassing moments when speaking.

We can take care of and prevent these problems with dental implants. They can be permanently inserted in the back or front of your mouth. They look natural and function like real teeth to let you eat whatever foods you enjoy most.

ARESTIN™ Returns Gums to Good Health

Dr. Bielawski is very pleased to help patients suffering from gum disease with an easy method that is very effective. This medicine, ARESTIN, has invisible microspheres of an antibiotic that is time-released at the site of the infection. It is applied directly to the inflamed pockets between the gums and teeth. It does its work painlessly, and you will be very pleased with the results, with your smile healthy once again.

We can help arrest your gum disease and bring your smile back to health. Give us a call today at (860) 693-8314.