Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection in the gums that can impact the teeth and jawbone if left untreated. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, children also may suffer from periodontal disease. Fortunately, if identified and treated early, its effects can be managed and even reversed to allow your child to return to optimal oral health through adolescence and beyond.

There are several factors that can lead to the onset of periodontal disease in children. Poor oral hygiene and untreated plaque are the most common, however diet, diabetes, hormonal changes, and even genetic predisposition can also increase your child’s risk.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, chronic gingivitis is common in children. Your child should be screened for periodontal disease if their gums are:

• Sore
• Swollen
• Red
• Bleeding from brushing and/or flossing

If left unchecked, periodontal disease can cause your child’s gums to pull away from the teeth, affecting the structure of the bone beneath and potentially impacting their jaw alignment and bite. Over time, bone and tooth loss can occur.

Periodontal disease is preventable and highly treatable. Regular dental cleaning and exam appointments will help keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. Teach your child about the importance of daily oral hygiene. If periodontal disease has begun, our 32827 periodontist can help. Contact our Orlando, FL periodontics office for your child’s periodontal screening today.

Advancements in the construction and placement of dental implants have allowed them to become a viable option for helping reduce the effects of periodontal disease. They can encourage the healing of the gums and the strengthening of the jaw. With the help of bone grafts, dental implants can help alleviate some of the symptoms of gum disease.    

What is Periodontal Disease? 

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that damage the tissues around teeth. If the bacteria is left untreated, irritation or inflammation begins to develop. This first stage of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis. The bacteria can continue to spread and infect deeper areas of the gums and jaw, leading to full-blown periodontitis.  

As bone tissue is worn away by the bacteria, the gum tissues can begin to detach from the teeth and form pockets which can provide a place for bacteria to thrive. Cleaning and routine care become much more difficult, which can then perpetuate additional bone and soft tissue loss.  

These losses can sometimes cause teeth to become loose or fall out entirely. [Text Wrapping Break] 

How Can Dental Implants Help With Gum Disease? 

Even in its more advanced stages, the damage from periodontal disease can be controlled and even partially reversed. Dental implants can promote the growth of new, healthier bone in places where it was worn away. The metal implant bases become anchored in the jaw via osseointegration and help support the rest of the bone and neighboring teeth. This healing process can restore your jaw to much of its original form and strength. 

While dental implants are a helpful way to reduce the damage from periodontal disease, there may be corrective measures that need to be taken before they can be placed. Gum and bone tissue that have been significantly worn away and damaged will not support implants properly. To fix this, we can utilize bone and tissue grafts to help create a strong base for the implants. 

How Can Grafts Support Dental Implants? 

According to the Mayo Clinic, bone grafts create a more solid base for implants. Bone grafts can help strengthen the jawbone if it isn’t thick enough, or is too soft. The act of chewing creates a large amount of pressure on the jawbone, and if periodontal disease has caused significant bone loss, the surgery could potentially fail. 

Bone grafts can be created from taking material from your own body, or using a synthetic material. Once they are adhered to the jaw, the bone will heal around the graft. This begins to repair the damage done by gum disease, restoring lost bone material. This reversal of gum disease damage enables dental implants to take hold, which promote further bone growth and reconstruction. 

Dental implants can be an effective way to treat your periodontal disease. Combining grafts and implants can promote healing and growth in your jaw and gums. If you have gum disease and questions about what dental implants can do for you, contact our periodontics office in Orlando, FL today.

Flossing is an important part of maintaining the health of your teeth and gums, one that many people overlook. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of the American population over the age of 30 has some form of gum disease. Many people do not understand the link between proper flossing and the prevention of conditions like periodontitis. However, flossing is easy to incorporate into your routine, and leads to a wide range of benefits.

Method #1: Floss Picks

Utilizing floss picks is one way to incorporate floss into your routine. They are one-time use plastic tools that have a little piece of floss strung tightly between two prongs for getting between teeth. Keeping a few of them in places you frequent throughout the week can remind you to floss whenever you see them.

Method #2: Keep Floss Everywhere

No matter if you prefer standard string floss or floss picks, both are convenient for storing in a variety of places. String floss and picks can fit into a bag or purse, and can be taken on the go for use at any point during the day. Some places that are ideal for flossing include:

• In The Shower – One method of making flossing a habit is to keep some on hand near the shower. This allows it to be integrated into a morning or evening routine.
• In The Car – Floss picks are great for cars. They can be used with one hand, allowing you to use them at stoplights or upon arrival at your destination.
• At Work – Whenever you need a small stretch break at work, take some string floss or a pick with you. Take the time to move your body, stretch, and floss.

Method #3: Utilize Technology

It can be easy to forget to floss if it isn’t an ingrained daily habit. For some, technology is the way to form a healthy flossing routine. Smartphones allow users to set alarms for any time and any reason. People who struggle with remembering to floss regularly can set a recurring alarm for the same time each day as a reminder. Over time, this habit can become instinctive.

Flossing is a vital part of an oral hygiene routine that often goes neglected. However, with some creative thinking and using resources available, flossing can be fit into your schedule with little effort. Contact our Orlando, FL periodontics office today for more information about flossing, how it can benefit you, and how you can incorporate it into your life.

Your soft tissue or “gums” play an important role in maintaining a high level of oral health. Healthy soft tissue keeps teeth in place, reduces the rate of tooth decay, and keeps breath fresh while contributing to optimal overall health. 

How Can My Gums Be Damaged?

The main condition that causes damage to the gums is periodontitis. Periodontitis (periodontal disease/gum disease) is the inflammation of the tissue around the teeth, and often causes damage to the gums and loosening of the teeth. Periodontitis occurs when plaque builds up, hardens and turns to calculus or tartar, creating pockets between the teeth and the soft tissue that holds the teeth in place. The inflammation process continues, bacteria spreads and this bacteria eventually may wear away supporting tissue. The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. Gingivitis causes the gums to become inflamed, tender, red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. Since the bone and tissue holding teeth in place isn’t affected, much of the damage from gingivitis is reversible.

However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress into more aggressive forms of periodontitis and may result in tooth loss. Even with more severe forms of periodontal disease, effective treatment may be able to prevent the disease from progressing.

How Should I Take Care Of My Gums?

Periodontal disease is a serious and common condition among American adults. According to the CDC, 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease. If you have periodontal disease, professional treatment is recommended. 

Maintaining the health of the gums is crucial for maintaining your overall health. Here are ways to prevent periodontal disease or its progression: 

• Brush twice a day 
• Drink plenty of water 
• Floss at least once a day 
• Visit your dentist and follow the treatment plan provided

Periodontal disease has been linked to the following conditions: 

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Alzheimers 
• Low birth weight babies and premature delivery

Periodontal disease, while common, is a serious condition that requires professional medical care. 

If you’ve been uncomfortable visiting the dentist, please do not hesitate to contact us. Many adults have periodontal disease at various stages. Our 32827 periodontist is trained in providing compassionate care and will help you feel confident in your oral healthcare plan. Achieving optimal oral health is within reach and will make a significant impact on your overall health. Contact our periodontics office in Orlando, FL to schedule your examination and consultation.

If there is one recommended dental habit that many people struggle to embrace, it’s flossing. Whether you find traditional thread flossing challenging to maneuver, messy, or just time consuming, you are not alone. However, The American Dental Association (ADA) and our office want you to be able to floss regularly and thoroughly. Consider these effective alternatives to remove unwanted plaque from the places your toothbrush simply can’t reach.

1.) Disposable Floss Pick

These convenient little tools have plastic handles and Y-shaped prongs that come pre-threaded with floss. No measuring, snipping or finger threading required. Ideal for travel and on-the-go use, simply grab the handle, insert the floss between your teeth, and when done, toss the tool away. 

2.) Non-Disposable Floss Picks

Fashioned with a longer handle than their disposable counterparts, these picks may be an excellent option for patients with small mouths and/or crowded teeth. They also help to make reaching back teeth a breeze.

3.) Water Flossers

Electronic flossers use streams of pressurized water to clean between your teeth. There are many different models to accommodate price preferences, and most offer adjustable pressure settings to ensure your comfort during use. 

4.) Interdental Brushes

Designed to look like tiny toothbrushes, interdental brushes are especially effective for those who wear braces. They are also a nice option for patients with mobility issues who struggle with traditional flossing. Another plus? Like toothbrushes they can be used repeatedly – simply ask our periodontist in 32827 when we recommend replacement.

5.) Air Flossers

These high-tech tools use air pressure combined with a small amount of water to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy. Considered to be less messy than their water-based cousins, air flossers offer easy point and click instructions – just aim the flosser between your teeth and a blast of air does the rest. 
Keeping the spaces between your teeth and gums free from plaque and tartar is essential to your oral health. Finding tools and techniques that work for you is the first step towards establishing lifelong habits that lead to a lasting, healthy smile. Consider any of these flossing alternatives or call our periodontics office in Orlando, FL for a recommendation. Our team will be happy to evaluate your unique needs to help you find the solution that is right for you.