A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology suggests that individuals who have gum disease may be more likely to suffer from severe complications of COVID-19. This is due to the link between gum inflammation and the body’s inflammatory response.
Though some people may have neglected their oral healthcare during the stress of the ongoing global pandemic, taking care of your gums can be crucial to preventing serious medical issues. You should continue to visit your dentist for regular appointments to protect your periodontal health. Dr. Jim Lassiter, a dentist serving the Milton, FL area, describes how prompt gum disease treatment can preserve your oral health as well as your overall wellbeing.
How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?
Many individuals experience recognizable symptoms if they have periodontal disease, including sore, swollen, or bleeding gums. Irritation in the gums often occurs because gum disease is a type of oral infection, in which bacteria cause inflammation in the gums.
However, not every patient will notice these symptoms and may not realize they have this disease until a dentist discovers it during an exam. This is why you should not skip routine dental cleanings and evaluations. If a dentist finds gum disease, they can provide swift treatment.
Untreated periodontal disease may negatively impact your health in other parts of your body. It can also lead to serious and irreversible dental damage, including tooth loss. Gum disease does not go away on its own, so you will need intervention from your dentist to eradicate the infection.
How Will My Dentist Treat Periodontal Problems?
If your dentist diagnoses you with gum disease, they will begin treatment usually within the same appointment. The first steps in getting rid of the infection include thoroughly cleaning your teeth and gums.
Your dentist will scrape away plaque and tartar build-up from spots in your mouth that can be difficult to reach, including deep in the gum pocket. This extensive cleaning method is referred to as scaling and root planing.
If the infection still persists after this treatment, your dentist may recommend more invasive solutions for your periodontal disease. This may include oral surgery to remove damaged gum tissue or a gum graft to treat receding gums.
Though you may practice good oral hygiene to prevent contracting gum disease, some patients are more susceptible to the infection. If this is the case, your dentist may suggest that you use an antibacterial mouthwash. This can balance oral bacteria and reduce your risk of developing periodontal infections.
Get a Periodontal Exam from Your Milton, FL Dentist
Dr. Lassiter is a highly qualified dentist who offers periodontal therapy and other restorative dental treatments to patients in or near Milton, FL. Our practice also specializes in cosmetic and general dentistry, including emergency dental services, for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our staff online or reach us by phone at 850.427.5891.