What Is Periodontal Disease and How Can It Affect Your Overall Health?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can cause serious oral health complications and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. But did you know that your gum health is also closely connected to your systemic health and wellness? Dr. Koo and her team at Sera Dental proudly offer personalized periodontal care to safeguard your smile and support your oral health and overall wellness.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic and progressive condition that affects the gums, tissue, and bone that hold your teeth in place. Warning signs of gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal disease, include red, puffy, and inflamed gums that may bleed when you brush or floss. Without treatment, the inflammation and infection can progress, leading to complications, such as painful chewing, gum recession, and damage to the structures that support the teeth, resulting in tooth mobility and even tooth loss.

How Can Your Gum Health Impact Your Systemic Health?

Most people don’t realize how closely linked their gum health is to their general well-being. Studies show a connection between periodontal disease and a host of systemic conditions, including the following:

• Cardiovascular Health: The chronic inflammation associated with gum disease may increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and even stroke.
• Diabetes: Diabetes raises the risk of periodontal disease, and untreated periodontal disease makes it harder to control blood sugar levels.
• Autoimmune Conditions: The inflammation associated with periodontal disease may strain your immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infection and contributing to autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Respiratory Problems: Breathing in gum disease-causing bacteria may increase your risk of respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, and complicate the management of chronic conditions like COPD.
• Cognitive Decline: Research suggests a link between severe periodontal disease, a condition known as periodontitis, and conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
• Pregnancy Complications: Hormonal changes that occur with pregnancy have been shown to increase your risk of gum disease, which in turn has been linked to complications, such as preterm births and low birth weights.

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?

We will start with a periodontal evaluation, during which we will measure your periodontal pockets and take any necessary X-rays to determine the best course of treatment.

The following are the periodontal disease treatments we offer:

• Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT): GBT is an innovative, minimally invasive solution for treating and managing periodontal disease. We begin by applying a safe disclosing solution to reveal gum disease-causing biofilm and plaque. Instead of using abrasive pastes and spinning rubber cups, the Airflow device propels a high-energy spray onto the tooth surfaces. The combination of micro-particles containing erythritol powder, air, and water lifts away debris instantly with EMS Airflow. This helps remove harmful bacteria, helping support your gum health without heavy scraping or vibration.
• Scaling and Root Planing (SRP): This non-surgical deep cleaning involves removing plaque and tartar from between your teeth and along and under the gumline, and cleaning and smoothing the tooth root surfaces. This helps encourage gum tissue healing and reattachment.

After treatment, we typically see you every three to four months for periodontal maintenance. During your visits, we will clean your teeth, check your gums, and intervene, if needed, to maintain your periodontal health. It’s also important to maintain excellent oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing, to maintain your gum health between visits.

Periodontal Care Near Me in Oradell, NJ

If you have red, swollen, or bleeding gums, don’t wait. Contact Sera Dental to schedule a consultation. Dr. Koo and her patient-centered team offer personalized periodontal care, always recommending the most conservative solutions to maintain your gum health. Our goal is to enhance your smile and your overall health. We invite you to call us at (551) 383-5155 to schedule your appointment or book your visit online today.