Prevention and treatment of periodontitis in Berkeley, CA

We often reiterate that dentistry is not just about teeth, it is about your overall wellness and quality of life. This is evidenced by the fact that one of the most potentially devastating oral diseases begins in the gums, and it can have implications for your entire body. That is why Dr. Ruhi Sangha and Dr. Praj Kamat are especially passionate about helping patients at Transcendentist in Berkeley, CA prevent or control periodontitis.

Understanding the oral systemic link

Eyes may be windows to the soul, but the mouth is the gateway to the body’s overall health. It is the entry point for hydration, nutrition, and sometimes oxygen. Unfortunately, that also means bacteria and toxins in the mouth have many accelerated paths to enter your bloodstream. Furthermore, chronic inflammation anywhere will trigger an immune response, which can have negative effects throughout the body.

Periodontitis is a chronic infection affecting tissue around the teeth. With a thriving colony of harmful bacteria living in your mouth, combined with the effects of inflammation, it’s not surprising that periodontitis is linked to a wide range of health conditions. These include:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Alzheimer’s
• Respiratory disease
• Pregnancy complications
• Tooth loss
• Many more

Protecting periodontal health

It begins with a little plaque and calculus along the gumline. Tissue becomes inflamed, causing it to separate a bit from your teeth. This causes shallow pockets, which accumulate more bacteria-laden plaque and calculus, causing more inflammation – and the cycle continues. Without treatment, what begins as mild gingivitis can quickly become advanced periodontitis, with the infection eroding away at the ligaments and bone that support teeth.

Despite the damage it is causing, gum disease has few if any symptoms in the early stages. That is one of many reasons regular dental exams are essential. Our hygienists are extensively trained in periodontal disease screening and advanced treatment techniques.

Treatment options

Periodontitis is not curable, but it can be controlled. The best method depends on the severity of the disease. We will create a customized plan, likely including one or more of the following:

• Laser therapy – Only approximately five percent of dental practices are laser certified, and Transcendentist is proud to be among them. We use laser technology to painlessly kill harmful bacteria and encourage gum reattachment.
• Arestin – We prefer to avoid systemic antibiotics. Instead, we often recommend Arestin, which is applied directly where it is needed.
• Hygiene program – We will likely recommend more frequent dental appointments for deep cleaning and to monitor your progress. We will also coach you about the most effective home hygiene habits.

Healthy smile, healthy body

If you don’t have gum disease, we may be able to help you prevent it. If it is too late for prevention, we may not be able to reverse gum disease damages that have already occurred, but we can stop it from progressing and restore your oral health. In either case, the best time to start taking care of your periodontal health is now. Call us at (510) 800-7660 for an appointment.