Hi, it's Mia Armonde here to talk to you about family dentistry. As my small family grew into a large one, I found myself at the dental office on a regular basis. Every six months, the kids would go into the dentist for a cleaning or repairs to their teeth. During that time, I took an interest in the various ways the dental tools were evolving. Tools used in the dental industry have grown in leaps and bounds in the last few decades. For example, my kids went from hearing the dental drill to wearing headphones that completely canceled out the sound. Each time we go back into the dentist, I take a close look at the improvements that have arisen since the last visit. The results are astounding. I will cover my findings on this site, so you can also enjoy the improvements to dental tools and techniques.
Periodontal disease is caused by infections and local inflammation of the gum tissue and the underlying bones that support your teeth. Early periodontal disease can cause swollen gums that bleed easily, while advanced periodontal disease may heighten the risk for bone destruction and subsequent tooth loss. Changes in the oral cavity as a result of declining estrogen levels during menopause can predispose women to periodontal disease. Here are some ways your family dentist might manage your periodontal disease if you are in menopause.
Deep Cleaning
While it is important to see your family dentist for routine cleanings, a special deep cleaning, known as scaling and planing, requires your dentist or hygienist to focus their attention on the roots of your teeth located below your gum line. Deep cleanings help eliminate hardened tartar under the gum line, which can raise your risk for periodontal disease.
During menopause, women may be more susceptible to dental plaque formation, and because of this, they may require more frequent visits to the dentist for comprehensive examinations. If your family dentist determines that you have extensive periodontal disease, they may refer you to a specialist known as a periodontist.
Antibiotic Therapy
Antibiotic therapy combined with a deep cleaning may help treat periodontal disease and lower your risk for bone and tooth loss. While antibiotics can be used as a standalone treatment, your dentist may recommend that antibiotics be used in conjunction with scaling and planing treatments.
This treatment option may help slow gum recession and help prevent your gum tissue from separating from the underlying bone. The antibiotic that your dentist can recommend may be based on the type of bacteria that is responsible for your periodontal disease, your general state of health, and allergies you may have to antibiotics.
It is important to note that certain antibiotics used in dental practices can cause significant gastrointestinal symptoms such as cramps and diarrhea. Your dentist may recommend eating a couple of tablespoons of foods like yogurt before taking your antibiotics to help repopulate your gastrointestinal system with healthy bacteria. If you cannot tolerate yogurt, over-the-counter probiotics may also help relieve your gastric distress.
If you have periodontal disease and are in menopause, see both your primary care physician and dentist on a regular basis. When you keep regular appointments with these doctors, you are more likely to enjoy better overall health and dental health. Contact a family dentist for more information.
Share27 October 2020
