Providing Periodontal Care for Better Overall Health
Dr. Daniel M. Whiteman helps his patients understand that taking care of your teeth and gums properly can affect more than just the aesthetics of your smile. There is increasing evidence of the connection between your periodontal health and the overall health of your entire body. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to a number of serious health concerns, including an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The best way to protect yourself against these adverse conditions is to brush and floss properly, and undergo regular check-ups and cleanings with an experienced dentist. We provide our patients with several types of periodontal care at our Brookline practice. Periodontal treatment can help you maintain or restore good gum health, and address any related issues that we observe during your appointment. If you are concerned about your periodontal health or need to schedule a cleaning, please contact our office to make an appointment with Dr. Whiteman.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is caused by the buildup of bacterial plaque on and around your teeth. If it is not removed during brushing and flossing, this plaque is allowed to proliferate and multiply, eventually causing gum disease. If it is left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to inflammation of the gums, gum recession, and eventually, tooth and bone loss. Maintaining good oral hygiene at home and attending regular appointments for check-ups and cleanings with our office can greatly reduce your risk of developing this serious condition.
Signs and Symptoms
Due to the serious health problems that can result from periodontal disease, it is imperative to catch and treat the condition in its early stages. It is important to be mindful of symptoms of periodontal disease, which include:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Swollen or tender gums
- Receding gums, causing the teeth to appear longer
- Chronic bad breath
If you have noticed any of these signs, it is crucial to seek treatment right away to prevent further damage to your oral health.
Treatment Options
Caught in its early stages, periodontal disease treatment can be as simple as a prescription mouthwash and ensuring you are implementing proper brushing and flossing techniques. These Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications inhibit bacteria's ability to stick to the surface of your teeth, which reduces the amount of plaque buildup and stops the disease from progressing.
If gum disease has progressed past the point that mouthwashes can help, Dr. Whiteman may recommend a scaling and root planing procedure. Also known as a deep cleaning, this treatment reaches all the way down to the roots of the teeth to remove any buildup of bacterial plaque. Antimicrobial medication will typically be administered to ensure the health of the tooth's roots. Dr. Whiteman also uses laser therapy to treat inflamed tissue and remove calculus deposits that are located beneath the gum line. This minimally invasive procedure is linked to better patient outcomes than traditional periodontal treatment techniques.
Make a Periodontal Care Appointment
If you have concerns about your periodontal health, please contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Whiteman.
