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FYI DENTIST

Franklyn Alexander, DDS
General & Cosmetic Dentistry

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Patients Choice Winner 2016
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(817) 460-4712

Gum Disease Treatment in Arlington, TX

Dr Alexander provides gum disease treatment in Arlington, TX.

Gum (periodontal) disease is a bacterial infection that affects the teeth as well as bone and areas surrounding the teeth. Gum disease symptoms may include chronic bad breath; red, swollen, bleeding, or receding gums; pain when chewing; and loose or sensitive teeth. Many times, there are no symptoms at all. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to bone loss around the teeth, loose teeth, and eventual loss of teeth.

Factors Which Can Increase The Risk Of Gum Disease:

  • Stress: Weakens the body’s immune system, making it harder to fight off infections.
  • Smoking / Tobacco Use: Weakens the body’s immune system and hinders treatment of gum disease. The risk for smokers to contract gum disease may be up to 50% more than non-smokers.
  • Genetics: Up to 30% of the population may be susceptible to gum disease.
  • Diabetes: Slower circulation reduces the flow of nutrients and removal of harmful substances. Higher glucose (sugar) level increase the rate of germ growth.
  • Clenching or grinding your teeth: Does not cause gum disease, but can increase the severity of gum disease if it is already present.
  • Medications: Some antidepressants, diuretics, and high blood-pressure medications can cause dry mouth while other medications may be used to suppress the immune system.

Gum Disease Has Been Linked To:

  • Heart Disease and Stroke: Periodontal disease leads to hardened arteries (atherosclerosis), which hinder blood flow and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
  • Respiratory Illnesses: Periodontal disease increases the risk for respiratory infections such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia1 and lung cancer.2
  • Pre-term or low birth-weight babies3

Gingivitis is the mildest stage of periodontal disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. Depending on the stage of gum disease, Dr. Franklyn Alexander may recommend one of the following treatments for gum disease.

Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy

Scaling and Root Planing is the traditional non-surgical way of treating periodontal disease. This process, sometimes called a deep cleaning, is used to remove bacteria, toxins, and tarter build up that are contributing to the periodontal infection. For more severe infections, localized delivery of antibiotics and or systemic antibiotics may be needed to help restore periodontal health.

PerioProtect

PerioProtect is a revolutionary method used to treat periodontal disease. PerioProtect uses an FDA-cleared medical device to deliver dentist-prescribed medications directly to the source of the infection. It is comfortable, painless and easy, with years of reliable and proven clinical results. Only your dentist can diagnose gum disease and determine if PerioProtect is for you.

Periodontal disease can only be diagnosed by a licensed dentist after a thorough examination including x-rays and periodontal measurements.

If you have been previously diagnosed with gum disease and would like to know more about our treatment options, please give our office a call.

Sources:

  1. Healthy Gums May Lead to Healthy Lungs
  2. Study: Gum Disease May Increase Lung Cancer Risk
  3. Expectant Mothers’ Periodontal Health Vital To Health Of Her Baby

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