Dental health

 

Gum disease is a serious oral health condition that affects many people. It can cause inflammation, bleeding gums, and tooth loss. If you are suffering from gum disease, it is essential to find a reliable dentist who can provide you with the best treatment. The Fort Collins Dentist is your go-to place for the treatment of gum disease. Our team of friendly and professional dental experts has extensive experience in treating gum disease. In this article, we will explore gum disease and the treatment options available at our dental clinic.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone that support your teeth. It occurs when plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) builds up on your teeth and is left untreated, it can lead to inflammation of the gums, bleeding, and eventual tooth loss. Gum disease can also affect your overall health because the bacteria that cause it can travel to other parts of your body. Some studies have linked gum disease to heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions.

Treatment options for gum disease

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we offer several treatment options for gum disease, depending on the severity of the condition. The first step is to perform a thorough examination, including taking x-rays and measurements of the gums and bones around your teeth.

Scaling and Root Planing: This treatment involves cleaning the teeth above and below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar. The roots of the teeth are then smoothed to allow the gums to reattach more easily to the tooth surface.

Laser Therapy: This treatment involves using a laser to remove diseased tissue and bacteria from the gums. The laser also seals the gums to prevent reinfection.

Antibiotics: We may recommend antibiotics to treat gum disease if we find that it is caused by a specific type of bacteria.

Surgery: In some cases, gum disease may require surgery to remove damaged tissue or to promote bone growth around the teeth.

Maintenance: After treatment, proper oral hygiene practices are essential to maintaining healthy gums. We will work with you to create a personalized plan to help you maintain your oral health.

Preventing gum disease

Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are a few tips to help you prevent gum disease:

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria from spaces between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach.
Use an antiseptic mouthwash to rinse away bacteria and freshen your breath.
Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
Quit smoking. Smoking is a significant risk factor for gum disease.

Gum disease can have serious consequences if left untreated. At The Fort Collins Dentist, we have the expertise and experience to diagnose and treat gum disease. We offer several treatment options and work with you to create a personalized plan to maintain your oral health. If you are experiencing any symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding gums or chronic bad breath, make an appointment with us today. We are here to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of adults in the United States have gum disease. Thankfully, there are effective gum disease treatments available that can help you get your oral health back on track. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the most common gum disease treatments for adults and what you can expect during the process.

1. Scaling and Root Planing: This is a non-surgical gum disease treatment that involves deep cleaning your gums. Your dentist or periodontist will use a special tool to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and below your gumline. They will also smooth out any rough spots on your tooth roots, which can help prevent bacteria from building up in the future. Scaling and root planing may take several visits to complete, depending on the severity of your gum disease.

2. Antibiotics: If your gum disease has progressed to a more advanced stage, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help eliminate the infection. Antibiotics can be taken orally or applied directly to your gums. Your dentist may also recommend an antimicrobial mouthwash to help reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth.

3. Gum Grafting: If your gum disease has caused your gums to recede, your dentist may recommend gum grafting. This procedure involves taking tissue from another part of your mouth (usually the roof of your mouth) and attaching it to the affected areas of your gums. Gum grafting can help protect your tooth roots, reduce sensitivity, and improve the appearance of your smile.

4. Laser Therapy: Laser therapy is a minimally invasive gum disease treatment that uses a laser to remove bacteria and infected tissue from your gums. This procedure is less painful and has a shorter recovery time than traditional gum surgery. Laser therapy can also stimulate the growth of healthy gum tissue.

5. Oral Surgery: In severe cases of gum disease, oral surgery may be necessary to treat the infection. This may include removing damaged tissue, reshaping your gums, or removing teeth that cannot be saved. Your dentist will work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

Gum disease can be a serious oral health problem, but with the right treatment, you can prevent it from causing long-term damage to your teeth and gums. If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or receding gums, contact your dentist right away. They can help you determine the best course of treatment to get your oral health back on track. Remember, taking care of your gums is an important part of maintaining a healthy smile!

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

Causes and consequences of poor dental health and how you can brush up on your own

Most of us struggle with at least one area of our dental care. It could be that flossing is the one dreaded task, or maybe you haven’t been wearing the night guard recommended often enough. All of us should check with our dentists from time to time and make sure we’re on track with the best dental care plan unique to our situation. It’s best to never let the untreated cavity become a dental emergency.

How poor dental health can arise

Teeth Grinding

Grinding our teeth can happen when we’re sleeping at night, completely unaware of the toll it’s taking on our mouths. Even during the day, we might do this unknowingly, since stress at work or school can result in grinding. This bad habit will slowly wear away our fillings and eventually remove the hard enamel which protects the soft layer of dentin beneath. If you’ve recently observed a chipped tooth, or your jaw aches in the morning, you might be grinding your teeth at night.

Improper Care

It can be difficult to create the best oral hygiene regimen and your dentist might even urge more frequent brushing due to incorrect or inadequate self-care in the past. Not brushing often enough can lead to bad breath, swollen gums and even gum disease in the long run. Most individuals still feel that brushing and flossing are the main tools for success when it comes to protecting their teeth.

Poor Diet

Regularly eating foods high in sugar exposes our teeth to its deteriorating impact. The longer we spend chewing on candy, the longer our teeth spend fighting its harmful acidic content. If you’ve noticed an increase in cavities or nasty breath, you might be eating too many sweets, putting your teeth at risk. It would be smart to consider more fresh fruits and vegetables for their natural teeth-cleaning ability or go for more calcium enriched foods to shield and strengthen your teeth.

Benefits of improving your dental health

Increased Confidence

By upgrading your smile, you will improve your self-esteem and encourage a full and bright smile. If you suffer from chipped or cracked teeth, you might hide your smile while speaking and laughing in front of others. By having certain flaws in our teeth corrected, we no longer fear speaking to others and become more engaged in conversation. If we don’t feel this confidence in ourselves it can be discouraging to spark up a conversation with someone new, since our smile could be the first thing they notice.

Improved Health

Misaligned teeth are not only a cosmetic issue but can lead to a plethora of dilemmas down the road. When our teeth don’t align appropriately, it causes unneeded wear and tear that can lead to toothaches, cavities, cracked teeth, and periodontal issues. If your smile has some imperfections, it might be wise to consider braces or some other aligner for better support.

Save Money

If you’ve ever refused a night guard at the dentist or put off much-needed braces, it might be costing you. Cigna Health estimates that every dollar spent on maintaining dental health saves you anywhere from $8 to $50 restoring it. Improving your smile not only helps you look and feel better but puts money in your pocket better spent on other needs.

 

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526