One of the most common and serious oral health issues we diagnose in our practice is gum disease. Gum disease, which is irreversible, can be managed with proper care. Perio Protect is a new treatment we are offering for gingivitis and for patients with more advanced periodontal disease. The first and most important step in treating gum disease is scheduling and keeping regular periodontal maintenance visits with our dental hygiene team.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is caused by the buildup and hardening of plaque on teeth and below the gum line, causing inflammation and infection that affect both the hard and the soft structure that support the teeth.
The Centers for Disease Control estimate that 46% of adults in the US over the age of 30 show signs of gum disease, while 9% of adults show signs of severe gum disease. Left untreated, this disease is the leading cause of permanent tooth loss.
The earliest phase of the disease is called gingivitis, which causes the gingiva, which is the part of your gums around the base of your teeth, to become inflamed and infected. Untreated gingivitis can lead to more severe forms of gum disease, like periodontitis. Periodontitis damages the soft tissue of the gum and can destroy the bone that supports your teeth.
Common signs can include red and swollen gums, gums that are very tender and bleed easily, receding gums, loose teeth, and pain when you chew. Early treatment of gum disease drastically reduces your risk of more advanced forms of the disease and associated tooth and bone loss.
Patients with periodontal maintenance plans may need multiple visits a year to control bacteria and minimize gum inflammation and infection. We have also recently added a new and effective way to control and alleviate the symptoms of gum disease at home using Perio Protect!
TDA’s Newest Gum Disease Treatment: Perio Protect
Perio Protect is an innovative, non-invasive therapy to help treat gum disease. While the comprehensive dental cleanings done by our skilled hygienists can effectively treat the bacteria that causes gum disease, that bacteria quickly regrows around and under your gum line, causing further inflammation and infection. Regular home oral care, including daily brushing and flossing, can’t reach this bacterial regrowth or prevent recurrences of inflammation and infection.
Perio Protect therapy helps treat and prevent the effects of periodontitis at home. We can create a custom Perio Tray that is comfortable, flexible, and an exact fit for your mouth for optimal treatment for you in the office. When applied to the Perio Tray, the Perio Protect medicated gel is able to reach deep under your gum line, targeting disease-causing bacteria.
Perio Protect is used at home as part of your daily oral health care regimen. Wearing the Perio Tray with the Perio Protect medicated gel takes just 10-15 minutes per day and can dramatically improve the damaging effects of gum disease. Patients who have used Perio Protect report not just improvement of their symptoms, but also whiter teeth and fresher breath.
TDA hygienists and dentists are your first step in effectively diagnosing and treating potential cases of gum disease. If you are diagnosed with gum disease, our Perio Protect therapy can extend the benefits of a comprehensive dental cleaning using your custom Perio Tray and Perio Protect gel in your own home. The health of your teeth and gums is TDA’s top priority and with Perio Protect, we can now help you manage your gum disease after you leave our office.
If you think you may have gum disease, or to learn more about Perio Protect therapy, contact our office to schedule an appointment today!
