Periodontal treatment
Says Dr. Tromp: “Helping a patient take control of his/her own oral health
remains one of the most satisfying and rewarding activities of my dental career
and educating patients provide information that empowers them to take that
control. Information about all the advanced procedure available in dentistry
today is essential but the most important information is often the very basics
in oral care and this knowledge fosters a desire to know more.”
An informed patient will take control of his/her own oral health developing good
habits and disciplines not only for him/her but for the entire family.
Few people realize the dangers associated with poor oral health. Many are
oblivious of the fact that more people lose their teeth due to gum related
diseases than any other disease affecting the dentition. The important general
health risks and hazards associated with gum disease are and hugely
underestimated. Tooth loss is just the beginning of what could become serious
general health concerns.
The best care your dentist can give you is by starting with a thorough
examination of your gums. If you happen to have the following signs please
consult your dentist ASAP:
* Red gums, swollen, tender or bleed during flossing/brushing
* Loose teeth
*Bad breath
*Exposed root surfaces
Periodontal disease can affect your overall health seriously. Remember, this is
also called the "silent disease" for a particular reason: You are not aware of
it since you do not necessarily experience any pain! Only when your gums are
healthy you can safely proceed with any further important treatment. Your
dentist should be able to provide you with all the options of treatment varying
from preventative, restorative or cosmetic care. The patient should always be in
the fortunate position to make informed choices about the dental treatment
required.
In the real world you and your partner, your dentist, can achieve Dental Health
for Life with a perfect smile receiving the "razzle dazzle" as an extra bonus.
If a patient maintains good oral hygiene after completion of a treatment course,
the 6 or 9-monthly visits to the dentist should only be to confirm that all is
OK with an "all clear" stamp of approval and a follow-up exam in 6-9 months,
thus becoming proof that Dental Health for Life is achievable and indeed a fact,
not fiction.
Did you know that gum disease has been linked in studies with diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and arthritis.
In a British study, men ranked bad teeth as the No. 1 turn-off. And yet, men are notoriously more likely than women to ignore their oral health!
Breaking news
Heart Disease: Did you know there's a link between periodontal disease and heart disease? Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease.
Stroke! Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and strokes.
Check out this link:
http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.heart.htm
Test yourself with a few Risk factors:
- Are you older than 35?
- Do you avoid dental care?
- Do you smoke? Have you ever smoked?
- Do you have diabetes?
- Do you have high blood pressure
- Do you have rheumatoid arthritis?
- Do you have bad breath?
- Do your gums bleed?
If you find yourself answering YES to two or more of the above questions, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible.
You may not know if you have gum disease without visiting your dentist, but gum treatment can halt the progress of gum disease very effectively and can reverse its effects. Combined with a good routine of home care, you can have a fresh, wholesome, attractive smile in no time. We encourage you to enjoy the benefits of excellent oral health and to be free of decay and gum disease. We want you to feel good about your smile as well as your health.
