Your oral health means more than staying cavity free. Gums need good home hygiene, check-ups and cleanings to avoid the consequences of gum disease in Wall Township. Also known as periodontitis, gum disease robs patients of their teeth and jaw bone structure, and it impacts systemic health, too. Dr. Edward Dooley screens his patients for gum disease and controls it with state of the art therapies.
The Signs of Gum Disease
When gums bleed, swell, exhibit pus or begin pulling away from roots, gum disease is apparent. Your dentist in Wall Township, Dr. Edward Dooley, visually inspects his patients for these signs and measures gum pockets, the spaces between teeth and gums. Pockets deeper than 3 mm are diagnostic for periodontitis.
Other signs of gum disease include:
- Persistent bad breath
- A “long tooth” appearance
- Gum and bone recession
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
- Sore gums
- Change in dental bite
- Change in fit of a full or partial denture
Causes of Gum Disease
Periodontitis, and less serious gingivitis, come from many factors. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic indicate that the most common cause is poor oral hygiene. Dr. Dooley teaches his patients they must floss daily and brush twice a day to remove sticky plaque from tooth surfaces, interdental spaces and the gum line. If plaque builds up, so do millions of bacteria that reside in the mouth, secreting acids that infect and inflame gum tissue.
Other Causes of Gum Disease
Gingivitis and periodontitis come from other sources as well, including:
- Heredity factors
- Diabetes and immune system diseases
- Obesity
- Poor diet
- Poor hydration and decreased saliva leading to dry mouth
- Hormonal fluctuations during menopause and pregnancy
- Antidepressants and other medications (ask your pharmacist)
- Smoking and chewing tobacco
Frankly, smoking ruins the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. Cigarettes deposit toxins on teeth and gums and prevent nutrients and oxygen from reaching the gums.
Also, as periodontitis develops, the risk for oral cancer increases. Researchers at the University at Buffalo Dental School say that cancer of the tongue occurs more often in people with active gum disease.
Gum Disease Therapy in Wall Township
For many cases of gum disease, Dr. Dooley uses simple tooth scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar and also to smooth root surfaces. In addition, he employs soft tissue laser treatments to remove plaque from gum pockets, allowing the tissue to heal and reattach to roots.
Preventing Gum Disease
The best prevention is good oral hygiene at home and regular professional cleanings. Dr. Dooley also recommends:
- A nutritious diet that limits sugary foods
- Good hydration for better saliva production
- Brushing with a soft toothbrush at least two minutes twice daily
- Flossing every day
- Limiting snacks between meals
Come to Dooley Dental
Dr. Dooley wants to see you for routine dental care rather than for complex and expensive restorative procedures. He and his staff work hard to help you maintain your best oral health. Please contact Dooley Dental to set-up your six-month appointment.
