A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology suggests that individuals with gum disease could be more likely to suffer from severe complications of COVID-19 than those without this periodontal issue. This is due to the link between gum inflammation and the body’s inflammatory response.
The health of your teeth and gums can be more important to your wellbeing than ever in this ongoing global pandemic. However, with the stress of regulations and restrictions, many people have let routine dentist appointments fall to the wayside.
You should continue to schedule dental cleanings and exams to stay healthy and prevent and treat gum disease. Dr. Brian Sang, a dentist practicing in Florence, SC, emphasizes the importance of prompt periodontal treatment, especially during the pandemic.
Signs of Gum Disease
Dental patients with gum disease may notice swelling, soreness, and bleeding in their gums. Though these concerns may develop for acute reasons, including harsh teeth brushing methods, you should contact your dental professional if these symptoms persist.
Some individuals do not experience any noticeable symptoms if they have gum disease. Even if they do realize they have this condition, patients could still suffer health risks and severe dental damage, including tooth loss, if the disease progresses.
This is why regular dental visits are so crucial to your oral health. During these appointments, your dentist can check your gums for this disease and provide treatment while it is still in its early stages.
These routine exams are part of comprehensive preventative dental care. When it comes to periodontal health, dentists emphasize preventative measures like cleanings and check-ups from your dentist to avoid damages from gum disease and other problems.
Periodontal Disease Treatment Options
While preventative oral healthcare like oral hygiene routines completed at home can lower your risk of gum disease, some patients are more susceptible to this issue and will contract it despite these measures. If your dentist diagnoses you with gum disease, they will first want to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums to remove excess plaque, tartar, and bacterial build-up.
The dentist will clean in hard-to-reach places in your mouth, such as deep in the gum pocket, to eliminate the infection. This extensive cleaning is a form of periodontal therapy called scaling and root planing. More advanced or stubborn cases of gum disease may require more invasive treatments, like oral surgery, to eradicate the infection.
Your dentist may also recommend that you add antibacterial mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine. Rinsing with this can balance bacteria in your mouth, reducing your risk of oral infections like periodontal disease. It can also alleviate uncomfortable periodontal symptoms, like tenderness and swelling in your gums.
Get Expert Periodontal Care from Your Florence, SC Dentist
Worried about the health of your gums? Palmetto Smiles offers periodontal therapy and other restorative dental solutions to patients of all ages. Dr. Sang is an expert dentist in Florence, SC who also specializes in cosmetic and general dentistry, including emergency dental services. To schedule an appointment or consultation with our practice, contact our staff online or reach us by phone at 843.203.5155.