Periodontal Therapy in Waterbury Improves Overall Health

The majority of Americans are dealing with the symptoms of periodontal (gum) disease, a condition that can wreak havoc on an otherwise healthy body. Seeking treatment for gum disease is important for protecting your overall well-being, and you can find periodontal therapy in Waterbury from the experts at Waterbury Smiles. Keep reading to learn more about the effects of periodontal disease, and how treatment helps safeguard your health.

How Gum Disease Affects Overall Health

Thanks to increased research into the effects of gum disease on the rest of the body, we know that the condition can cause or aggravate a number of conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. While the precise cause is not known, the thinking is that infected gums allow for easy entry of bacteria into the bloodstream. Periodontitis is also known to raise blood glucose levels.

Fortunately for gum disease sufferers, treatment for periodontitis can reduce the symptoms of associated health conditions. It’s been observed that blood glucose levels lower alongside gum disease treatment, and reduced inflammation in the gums leads to a healthier heart, too.

Identifying Gum Disease

The symptoms of gum disease are painless in the beginning, meaning the condition often goes ignored until the infection reaches moderate levels. Staying on top of your six month checkups and cleanings can help to identify gum disease in its earliest stages for the easiest treatment.

Signs you may be dealing with periodontal disease include:

• Swollen, red gums
• Bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums

Patients with an elevated risk for gum disease include tobacco users, those with poor oral hygiene, pregnant women, and people with health conditions affecting the immune system. We offer full charting and diagnostic services for gum disease at Waterbury Smiles.

Gum Disease Treatment in Waterbury

Once your gum disease has been diagnosed, your dentist at Waterbury Smiles will put together a treatment plan based on the level of infection. In its earliest stages, gum disease can be reversed with improved brushing and flossing at home. Moderate levels of gum disease are resolved with a non-surgical procedure known as scaling and root planing, a treatment that removes infection-causing plaque and bacteria from above and below the gumline. Scaling and root planing (also referred to as a “deep cleaning”) may be combined with antibiotic therapy. In the most advanced stages of gum disease, surgical treatment is necessary for treatment.

If you suspect you or a loved one are dealing with gum disease, don’t wait to schedule an appointment at Waterbury Smiles. We’ll provide therapy for periodontitis to help you enjoy better oral and overall health — request your visit online today!