Gum Disease Treatment in Urbandale, IA
Why Do People Lose Their Teeth?
The main culprit is not tooth decay, its gum disease! And its progression can be entirely painless right up until you lose one or more teeth. OK, so what’s so bad about losing a tooth? Here’s what happens. The adjacent teeth will move or shift in order to compensate for the lost tooth or teeth.
This can cause problems with chewing. You won’t get the full nutrition from the food you eat. Your face will change shape due to the loss of bone structure. You can develop a “sunken” look which makes you look older than you really are. It can even affect your speech. And if all that isn’t enough The American Academy of Periodontology states that studies show gum infections produce bacteria that can go directly to your heart. If you’ve been told you have gum disease, call us today for preventive dentistry
Gum Disease May Contribute to Heart Disease or Stroke
Recent medical research has led many doctors to reach a stunning conclusion: gum disease, stroke, and heart disease are
connected. Since heart disease is normally fatal, it is obvious that gum disease is a serious matter. The American Dental
Association estimates that 8 out of 10 Americans have periodontal (gum) disease. If this were any other affliction, such
as AIDS or tuberculosis, it could be considered an epidemic! Most dentists believe it is an epidemic. They also knew that
gum disease would not be labeled that way because “people don’t die from it.” The worst that happens is lost teeth. Not
pleasant – but certainly not life threatening. However, that’s all changed.
The American Academy of Periodontology reports, “Studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of
heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is
already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases.” Periodontal disease is characterized by bacterial gum infection.
These bacteria can move through the bloodstream – straight to the heart.
Treating Gum Disease
With advanced periodontal disease, the treatment is surgical. Gum surgery is never pleasant, but it is generally successful in
controlling the issue, and it’s usually covered by most insurance plans. With mild periodontal disease, there are effective
non-surgical methods that, coupled with better dental hygiene, can halt the spread of the disease. This is also usually covered
under most dental insurance plans.
We are excited to offer Perio Protect™, an FDA-approved treatment that may save you from having to undergo surgery. It’s easy, completely painless, and extremely effective. It’s as simple as wearing teeth whitening trays! Gum disease can be treated quickly and effectively when the medication remains between the teeth and below the gum line. Perio Protect’s special trays will keep the medication where it’s supposed to be, so healing can occur very quickly. Patients often see results in just a few days!
The Problems of Tooth Loss
So, is it a serious problem to lose a tooth? Yes! Losing even one tooth can cause the remaining teeth to shift and move around,
which leads to other problems. This can affect chewing and your ability to retain good food nutrition. Other negative things can
happen; your face changes shape, often looking “sunken.” This makes a person look much older than they really are. Your speech
can be impacted. Because it’s more difficult to chew with missing teeth, you may find yourself eating softer foods with more
carbohydrates, which can lead to weight gain. We strive to help you ensure your oral health remains the best it can be for a healthy, beautiful smile.
We can help arrest your gum disease and bring your smile back to health. Give us a call today at (515) 412-4200.
