Let’s face it… how can you be healthy and not take proper care of your mouth? The truth is that it’s impossible to ignore your mouth and expect to have a healthy body. Dr. Cowan has built his practice on the premise that the proper treatment of periodontal disease will have a positive impact on the overall health his patients, thus the name of his practice: Complete Health Dentistry 😀
Dental periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a condition that affects the gum tissues surrounding the teeth. It is caused by bacteria in the mouth that create plaque, a sticky film that forms on the teeth. If left untreated, this plaque hardens into tartar, which leads to inflammation and eventual destruction of the gum tissue and bone loss, which may lead to tooth loss.
The treatment of periodontal disease in a dental office usually involves a thorough cleaning called scaling and root planning. This procedure removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and smooths the root surfaces to promote gum reattachment. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to control the infection. Dr. Cowan also uses an effective irrigate for the sanitization of the gingiva during the cleaning. For more advanced cases, surgical interventions such as gum grafts or bone regeneration may be necessary.
Keep in mind that treatment in Dr. Cowan’s office is only part of the solution. Proper at-home care is crucial in preventing and managing periodontal disease. This includes regular brushing and flossing to remove plaque from the teeth and gumline. Using an antimicrobial mouthwash can also help reduce bacteria in the mouth. Additionally, individuals with periodontal disease should schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings to monitor their condition and receive professional maintenance care. The standard that Dr. Cowan follows is that all patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease have maintenance visits every three months.
The effects of periodontal disease on health are not limited to the oral cavity. Research has shown that there is a link between gum disease and systemic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. The bacteria and inflammation associated with periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to the development or worsening of these conditions. Furthermore, pregnant women with gum disease have an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.
Gum disease
You heard right – 80% of the American adult population suffers from gum disease. When gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and may be a contributing factor for 50% of heart attacks, it’s time to start thinking about periodontal health. Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue, largely caused by poor oral hygiene. Plaque that is allowed to remain on the teeth hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums to the point where they bleed and pull away from the teeth or recede. Eventually, gum recession turns into periodontal pockets, giving the bacteria a nice warm place to hide and multiply. Ultimately, enough gum tissue is lost that the teeth will become loose and fall out. As you may have already picked up, the consequences of gum disease go much deeper than just your mouth. Left untreated, gum disease can significantly increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and many other serious systemic diseases. The bacteria associated with gum disease have a direct pathway to enter the body and wreak havoc on your overall health. The good news is, with diligent oral hygiene and regular visits to your Hillsboro, TX dentist, gum disease is not only treatable but preventable! If you’ve noticed any of the signs and symptoms of gingivitis or gum disease (bleeding gums), you should come in and see Dr. Cowan right away. Depending on the severity of your case, we can prescribe antibiotics to help control the infection, and recommend more regular deep periodontal cleaning appointments. More severe cases may need to be treated with laser therapy, tissue grafting or gum surgery.
We offer gum recession treatment to help save the roots of your teeth from infection and to keep them from falling out. Gum recession treatment not only helps treat your gum disease but is also a cosmetic solution for gums that have receded. We take a small amount of tissue from the roof of your mouth and fix it to the gums, so they reattach in a healthier position.
