Periodontal Disease Treatment

Getting periodontal dental care can lead to many questions, one of which is coverage for periodontal care.  In general, periodontal disease treatments will almost always be covered by dental insurance benefits.  This includes deep cleaning, evaluations, examinations, and radiographs (x-rays).  When surgical treatment is necessary, it is necessary to send a dental estimate to dental insurance carriers to determine the level of coverage that insurance companies and your employers provide.  Some insurances also have a health spending account, and this extra coverage may help cover more extensive periodontal treatments.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits help prevent gingivitis.  Untreated gingivitis will most likely progress into periodontitis, a more significant and more damaging form of gum disease.  Periodontitis is a significant worsening of the supporting structure that helps support the root of a tooth and is more difficult to treat than gingivitis.  Untreated periodontitis can lead to painful infections, loose teeth, and eventual loss of teeth.

In the majority of patients, the most common cause is the level of plaque.  Though plaque build-up is the most common, there are several other reasons that people develop periodontal disease.  Along with plaque build-up, here are six other common reasons for periodontal disease:

• Plaque build-up. When plaque builds up, it concentrates the bacteria level around your gums, which can progress to periodontal disease if not removed by daily brushing and regular dental visits.
• Smoking and Chewing tobacco. Smoking/tobacco interferes with normal cell function and makes your gums more vulnerable to infections which can accelerate periodontal disease.
• Hormonal changes in females. Changes in hormones and pregnancy can make the gingival area more inflamed and symptomatic and more vulnerable to gum disease
• Prescription medications. The side effects of prescription medications can encourage bacterial growth, usually by making the person’s mouth dry.
• Nutritional deficiencies. Not getting enough vitamins and minerals can cause gingival problems.  Also, a diet high in carbohydrates and sugars is ideal for accelerated bacterial growth.
• Crooked teeth. When teeth are crooked, they are more challenging to clean and can accumulate more plaque.  The patient should be more vigilant when teeth are crooked.
• Family History.  A history of periodontal disease does make family members more susceptible to getting periodontal disease.  Consult your dentist if you suspect this.

Good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing, help prevent gum infections, cavities, and tooth loss.  Having your teeth checked and cleaned regularly by a dentist or a dental hygienist is also essential.  In addition to the above, being aware of what you eat and the type of foods you enjoy should also be thought of when you want to maintain a healthy oral state.  High sugar treats and sweets should be followed by brushing and flossing to maintain good oral hygiene.

Finally, understanding the risk factors that may contribute to developing gum disease.  Those are mainly smoking, diabetes, medications, heredity, hormonal changes.