INDUSTRY INSIGHT
DENTAL CARE
Ask the Dentist
SPONSORED CONTENT
Where your important medical
questions are answered!
Question:
Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth?
Answer:
Any bleeding of the gums, especially when brushing or flossing,
is not normal. Bleeding is a form of infection (g ingivitis) and if left
untreated can lead to more severe conditions, such as tooth loss. If
gum infection is present (leading to periodontal disease), you are at a
higher risk of certain systemic diseases, such as heart attack or stroke.
It also can be linked to a few cancers and even diabetes. Millions
of people suffer from painful gingivitis, but some are just not sure
what to do. Knowing how to spot the early signs can be difficult, so
enlisting the care of a licensed professional to diagnose and treat the
condition is advisable.
Question:
How do I know where to go if I think I have gum disease?
Answer:
Fighting gum disease today takes a lot more skill and expertise
than it did in the past. It’s important to spend some time researching
and deciding on a dental practice that is equipped to tackle this
condition. If you haven’t been to the dentist for a while, or are feeling
confused by the search for a new dentist, my recommendation would
be to seek out a periodontist (gum specialist). These are dentists who
have received specialized training in regards to gums.
Additionally, research has been very promising in demonstrating
that new technology can combat all kinds of disease, and the same
holds true for gum disease. Some of the most successful types of
periodontal therapy have incorporated the use of light ultrasonic
instruments that use gentle, but effective, vibration and water to
remove and irrigate bacteria out of the infection site. It has also been
shown to be more effective and comfortable than traditional hand
“scaling.”
Other treatments could include the use of lasers and/or antibiotics,
which can be used to sterilize the site of the infection and possibly
help guard against future bone loss. These treatments can usually be
administered right in the office.
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This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Kevin Pawlowicz.
Dr. Pawlowicz practices at Fox Chapel Advanced Dental
Care on Old Freeport Road in Fox Chapel. He has trained at
the Las Vegas and Seattle Institutes and is a member of the
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
and the Academy of Laser Dentistry. You
can learn more about Dr. Pawlowicz on his
website www.foxchapeldentistry.com.
Question:
If I undergo treatments for gum disease, how often should I go
back?
Answer:
Careful monitoring after initial treatment is so important in
determining how well the gums are healing. Once you have been
diagnosed with gum disease and have been treated to health, usually
one to two follow-up appointments have been seen to reverse this
early stage of disease. A maintenance course will be recommended
by your treating hygienist and dentist. Great care at home with
brushing, flossing and possibly fluoride rinses usually keeps gum
disease in check.
What’s important to remember is that if gum disease is left
untreated, there is the potential for pain and ongoing lifelong
infection that can be detrimental to the body as a whole. There are so
many options available that are proven effective for the prevention,
treatment and maintenance of this disease. So, don’t delay!
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