Gum Disease
Out of 100 people, 80 have gum disease. The condition takes many forms. In the early stage, it's called gingivitis, and many times no symptoms are present. The US Surgeon General deemed gum disease a silent epidemic in 2000 because few people know they have it. Over time, the disease progresses to cause bad breath, red, tender, swollen gums, and bleeding while brushing teeth. Pockets of bacteria form at the gum line. Without treatment, gum disease can escalate to cause loose teeth or tooth loss, as well as jawbone deterioration. In fact, gum disease is the main cause of adult tooth loss in the United States.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Some medications and lifestyle habits, like smoking, increase the risk for developing gum disease. However, the primary cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. Everyone has good and bad oral bacteria. The waste product of bacteria that cause gum disease is smelly, sticky plaque. If you don't brush and floss daily, and see your hygienist for a dental cleaning every six months, plaque will build up on and between your teeth. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar or calculus. This irritates the gums, and as bacteria begin to grow and thrive in the dark, moist environment of the mouth's gums become red and tender. The bacteria eat away the bond that holds gums to teeth, and pockets form at the gum line. There, bacteria continue to breed, and bacterial infection worsens.
How Is Gum Disease Treated?
The best medicine is prevention! Regular checkups and cleanings, combined with daily brushing and flossing, will reduce your risk of developing gum disease. However, should you become one of the 80% of Americans who have gum disease, Dr. Kobak will recommend you undergo a deep cleaning with our hygienist.
The procedure involves removing tartar (hardened plaque) from below the gum line, then smoothing rough areas on the roots of teeth. Plaque often builds up on rough areas, so by removing them, we'll reduce your risk of plaque buildup below your gum line.
In some situations, antibiotics are advised to combat bacterial infection. After your deep cleaning, you'll return every three months (or as advised) so that the hygienist can track your treatment progression. She'll measure the pocket depth at your gum line. A reduction in depth means that treatment is effective.
For periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, Dr. Kobak refers patients to a periodontist for periodontal surgery.
Schedule Your Visit Today!
We invite you to call 516-433-2211 and make your appointment with Dr. Kobak. Whether you need a checkup, you’d like to discuss smile makeover procedures, or you’re interested in improving your oral health with restorative dentistry, Syosset Dental is here to help. Our office is conveniently located in Syosset, NY near all the major highways, easily accessible from almost any location in Nassau, Suffolk or New York City. Be sure to visit our blog and subscribe for updates, and join our conversation on Facebook, too!
