Gum health is an integral part of your overall wellness. Not only does it impact your oral health in general, but it is also linked to a variety of other conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. 

Periodontal (perio) therapy provides a variety of effective treatment options to handle gum disease at different stages. Through effective prevention and perio procedures, you can protect your smile and health from gum disease.

What is perio therapy?

Gum disease is also called periodontal disease, with “perio” meaning gum tissue. Perio therapy is a set of treatments aimed at preventing and treating gum disease. It entails a wide range of potential procedures because gum disease requires different interventions depending on the stage.

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. At this early point, periodontal therapy may focus on patient education. If your dentist discovers signs of gum disease during a routine dental visit, they may recommend changes to your at-home oral care routine or your diet.

As gum disease progresses, more significant perio therapy is required, namely scaling and root planing. Scaling is similar to typical dental teeth cleaning, except that special tools are used to reach deeper around the gumline. Root planing smooths the surface of teeth below the gumline so that the bacteria that causes gum disease can’t take hold so easily.

In some cases, your dentist may recommend or prescribe options such as antimicrobial mouthwash. This can significantly reduce bacteria levels in your mouth, helping to minimize the extent of gum disease.

If gum disease has advanced further, you could find yourself in need of more serious perio therapy. Gum surgery is often necessary to restore receded gums, a common symptom of advanced gum disease. Treating serious gum disease could require extracting teeth from the affected area.

Key Benefits of Perio Therapy

Perio therapy offers a wide range of benefits. Getting the periodontitis treatment you need early on instead of letting gum disease progress supports your overall oral health. In the long run, gum disease leads to tooth loss. Getting perio therapy when you need it can prevent that outcome, letting you enjoy a strong and beautiful smile.

Gum disease has the potential to cause serious inflammation, with common symptoms including red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Inflammation can also impact your overall wellness. The bacteria that cause gum disease can eventually spread to cause infection of other tissue, possibly leading to issues as serious as abscessed teeth or pneumonia.

Healthier gums also support a more beautiful smile. Gum disease leads to gum recession and a gumline that is uneven and shows too much of your teeth. Healthy gums have a firm, pink appearance that promotes an overall healthier-looking smile.

Living with gum disease increases your risk of a variety of medical conditions. Heart disease and diabetes are two notable examples. Preventing gum disease and getting perio therapy gum disease treatment when you need it supports your overall health, with benefits ranging far beyond just your smile.

Who can benefit from perio therapy?

Gum disease is a common condition that many people experience without realizing it. You should watch for common signs of gum disease and bring them up with your dentist. Red, swollen, bleeding gums, gum recession, and sensitive teeth are all potential signs of gum disease.

There are also many potential risk factors related to gum disease, including the following:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Tobacco and alcohol use 
• Diabetes
• Family history of gum disease 

If you’re in one of these high-risk groups, you should take extra care in watching for symptoms.

When you do notice any symptoms—or when you are simply at high risk for developing gum disease—it’s time to consider talking with your dentist about perio therapy. You’ll want to know how to treat gum disease if it should develop. 

Your dentist can evaluate your oral health to determine which gum disease treatments may be beneficial. They can also offer advice on how to potentially prevent gum disease and safeguard your smile.

Keeping up with routine dental visits is essential for protecting yourself against gum disease. This is especially important because your dentist can likely spot signs earlier than you. However, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment the moment you notice any gum disease symptoms yourself.

Take care of your gum health with the best dentist near you.

Are signs of gum disease affecting your smile? If so, you shouldn’t hesitate to get the dental care you need. Orchard Dental Associates provides a variety of periodontal treatments to address gum disease at different stages. Schedule an appointment today to get started with your personalized periodontal disease treatment plan.