I had a patient this week that was diagnosed with periodontal disease (gum disease) and he had been coming in for regular cleanings and checkups.  Since his last six-month cleaning he developed an infection in his gingiva (gums).  He was very surprised, especially since he hadn’t changed anything in his home care, diet or medications. One in three people develop periodontal disease and it can happen anytime and quickly.

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that can be silent for a while and when symptoms such as bleeding gums, bad breath, and red gum tissue become apparent, it can already be advanced. If untreated, it will infect the bone underneath the gums eventually causing mobility and loss of teeth. 

The scarier aspect of this disease is the direct link it has on the rest of the body’s health.  Because of the inflammatory reaction, the gums go through, the body actually turns on itself. Your ability to fight infections and heal is compromised.  The research now shows the links between periodontal disease and a host of other ailments including diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, respiratory disease, and even pregnancy problems.

At Serene Oaks Dental we take this disease very seriously. We screen our patients for this disease at every checkup in order to catch it in it’s earliest stages. Treatment recommendations are customized to each patient’s needs and can many times be treated non-surgically with site-specific antibiotics. This is usually done with local anesthetic (if necessary) and is a very comfortable procedure.  Our hygienists are highly trained, always updating their skills and education and are supported with the best equipment to treat our patients.

Make sure you are brushing and flossing on a regular basis at home. Most of all though, please make sure that you are going in for your regular checkups in order to be screened for this disease. At Serene Oaks Dental we promise to not overlook this common problem and help keep your mouth as well as the rest of you healthy.  Make your appointment today to see your award-winning Minneapolis dentist Dr. Gesica Horn and Dr. Chad Loween!