Holistic Periodontal Care in Ellicott City, Maryland
PROTECT YOUR PERIODONTAL HEALTH
Having good oral health isn’t limited to your teeth—it also includes the health and wellness of your gums. That’s why Dr. Sambataro offers holistic periodontal treatment solutions. The health of your gums is imperative to the strength and integrity of your smile. Poor oral health can lead to the formation of unhealthy bacteria which can cause tooth decay and the development of periodontal disease.
At the Julian Center for Toxic Free Dentistry, we prioritize your total body wellness while treating your dental issues. As a holistic dentist, Dr. Eugene Sambataro is invested in providing treatment that works with the body rather than against it. You can rest assured knowing that we have your overall wellness in mind while providing you with effective periodontal treatments.
Read on to learn more about gum disease and its impact on the body.
THE ORIGIN OF GUM DISEASE
Periodontal (gum) disease is an oral infection of the gum tissue. It’s a condition caused by excessive bacteria in the mouth and, without intervention, can worsen over time and can cause irreversible damage to your oral health and overall wellness.
Your mouth has a unique microbiome comprised of healthy bacteria that break down food, deliver nutrients to your body, and protect your mouth from foreign substances. When there’s an influx of sugar or if food is leftover in your mouth, unhealthy bacteria can develop. This may throw off the balance of your natural microbiome and can lead to a multitude of problems.
Incorporating healthy oral habits such as daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing after meals paired with biannual visits with Dr. Sambataro helps keep this unhealthy bacteria at bay. Without a consistent at-home health routine, bacteria are free to accumulate on the surfaces of your teeth and gums in the form of a film-like, sticky substance called plaque. If not removed, plaque can harden into tartar (calculus) which can only be removed with specialized dental tools.
Bacteria can affect the gums directly, causing the early stages of periodontal disease. Or, it can attack your gums by going through your teeth. First hollow spaces (cavities) will form in the tooth as the infection works its way down through the inner parts of the tooth (pulp) and infects the gums from the inside.
STAGES OF GUM DISEASE
Gum disease, otherwise known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue resulting from poor oral hygiene habits. Gum disease does not occur overnight—in fact, there are four stages for the disease to progress through. This is why early intervention is crucial to save you from developing other health problems.
Gingivitis
- In this first stage, patients don’t typically feel pain, which means it may go undetected. Your gums will appear inflamed or red during this stage and it’s the only stage that is completely reversible.
Early (or Slight) Periodontitis
In some cases, early-stage periodontitis can be reversed with a consistent oral hygiene routine. In this stage, bacteria have reached the underlying bones and tissues of your mouth in “pockets” that start to form around your teeth. This may result in tooth loss and severe pain.
Moderate Periodontitis
In extremely rare cases, moderate periodontitis can be reversed with rigorous and consistent positive changes in your oral hygiene routine. In this stage, you may experience gum sensitivity, tooth loss, and tooth shifting. Bacteria are also able to enter the bloodstream during this stage which can result in a weakened immune system. Your risk increases for other health issues including stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. In this stage, extracting affected teeth may be the best solution for protecting the rest of your smile.
Advanced Periodontitis
In the final stage of gum disease, your affected teeth may feel loose or shift out of place. You’re likely to experience swollen, inflamed, or painful gums, which makes eating and smiling difficult and painful during this stage. In addition to tooth loss and bone loss, you may also experience severe halitosis (bad breath). If your tooth has reached this stage, the only option is extraction.
Depending on the severity of your gum disease, Dr. Sambataro may recommend lifestyle changes in order to reverse or manage your symptoms. We may also recommend tooth extraction in order to protect the health and integrity of the rest of your smile.
SYMPTOMS OF GUM DISEASE
Since painful symptoms may or may not be present in the early stages of gum disease, it’s important to understand the other indications of gum disease.
Healthy gums are pale pink, fit snugly around your teeth, and are firm to the touch.
Indications that you may have gum disease include:
- Puffy or swollen gums
- Off-colored gums that are purple, bright red, or dark red
- Gums that are tender to the touch
- Bleeding gums
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Pus between your gums and teeth
- Loss of teeth or loose teeth
- Pain while chewing
- Receding gums
- A misaligned bite
- Spaces developing between the teeth
RISKS OF GUM DISEASE
Poor oral hygiene is the most common culprit for gum disease.
However, there are other factors that can increase your risk of developing the condition
Factors that may increase you risk of gum disease include:
- Diabetes
- Age
- Genetics
- Pregnancy
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Stress
- Health conditions that impact the immune system such as cancer and AIDS
- Medications that cause dry mouth or reduce saliva flow
PREVENTING PERIODONTAL DISEASE HOLISTICALLY
Periodontal disease is a completely preventable condition, which is why our team at Julian Center for Toxic Free Dentistry takes a two-fold approach to your oral wellness. A comprehensive oral hygiene routine paired with a nutrient-rich diet specific to your unique requirements will keep the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease at bay. In order to establish an appropriate at-home oral health routine, Dr. Sambataro recommends:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-free toothpaste
- Flossing at least once a day—preferably before bed
- Rinsing between meals
- Oil pulling with coconut oil—the oil draws out unhealthy bacteria and toxins from your mouth which can aid in preventing tooth decay and periodontal disease.
In addition to these easy-to-incorporate habits, Dr. Sambataro highly recommends scheduling a visit at our Ellicott City office for preventive care to ensure your oral health remains in peak condition.
If any problems persist, we will recommend an oral DNA test to check for certain microbes that may be contributing to the periodontal disease as well as potential genetic predispositions.
Take the Next Step Toward a Healthier Smile and a Healthier You!
Looking for dentistry that supports your whole-body health? Call now to schedule your visit with Drs. Sambataro and Reicher!