Take good care of your teeth and your gums! It’s just one more way to protect yourself from having a stroke or heart attack. Click here to schedule an appointment for an evaluation of your gum health and a thorough cleaning with Dr. Iott and his staff.
Periodontal diseases (diseases of the gum, including gingivitis and periodontitis) are serious infections of one or many teeth that can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection affecting the gums and the bones supporting the teeth. The word periodontal means "around the tooth."
In the early stages of periodontal disease, your gums may be red and bleed easily. This is the stage called gingivitis, and is usually due to inadequate oral hygiene. Paying more attention to brushing and flossing your teeth, and regular visits to your dentist, can reverse this condition. Dr. Michael Iott’s staff is thoroughly trained and knowledgeable in the diagnosis and treatment of gingivitis. Click here to schedule an evaluation and discuss steps you can take to reverse the symptoms of this insidious disease.
Left untreated, gingivitis advances to periodontitis. As plaque spreads and grows below your gum line, the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums, breaking down and destroying tissue and bone. As a result, your gums separate from your teeth, forming infected spaces between the teeth and gums. As the infection progresses, these spaces destroy more gum and bone. Although you may have very mild symptoms, the sad truth is that your teeth will eventually become loose and require removal.
Unfortunately, losing your teeth is not the only eventuality with periodontitis. Studies show a clear correlation between gum disease and heart disease, highlighting the fact that people with gum disease have a 25 percent greater risk of heart disease than those with healthy gums. Although scientists have just begun to understand how one disease affects another, they now believe that inflammatory gum disease releases pro-inflammatory chemicals into the bloodstream, triggering a systemic inflammatory response. In other words, inflammation in one area of the body can cause inflammation in another. Additionally, people with poor oral health that includes missing and decayed teeth tend to suffer from poor nutrition, because eating a nutritious diet high in fiber, fruits and vegetables is more difficult. This too can affect heart health.
How will Dr. Iott treat your gum disease? His goal is to remove plaque and make it difficult for plaque to reform. If your gum disease is mild, Dr. Iott may able to begin the healing of your gums with a good cleaning and instructions for more careful brushing and flossing at home.
However, once hard layers of tartar have formed, you’ll need Dr. Iott’s assistance to remove it with a special implement called a ‘scaling tool’. Once all the tartar has been removed, the hygienist will polish your teeth, making it more difficult for bacteria to attach. An antiseptic mouthwash may be recommended by Dr. Iott to control plaque temporarily, but these should not be used for more than one month.
If you have developed the deep pockets typical of periodontitis, Dr. Iott will clean these as often as every two months until the infection can be brought under control. Additionally, root planning may be needed, where the infected base around the root of your tooth is removed.
Maintaining good oral hygiene at home and seeing Dr. Iott twice a year for cleanings will help you to avoid many of these unpleasant oral conditions. To avoid gum disease and keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape, here are a few tips:
· brush at least twice daily
· use a fluoride toothpaste to protect against decay
· use a toothbrush with soft or medium synthetic bristles that has a head small enough to comfortably reach all around your mouth
· use a gentle circular action and brush all surfaces of your teeth thoroughly
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A




Eliminate Dental Dangers With Infected Gum Remedies
By: Rai Shimizu | 09/12/2009As bad breath (or halitosis) is a frequent oral condition, a lot of people choose to use breath mints, chewing gums and oral mouthwashes rather than considering any infected gum remedies. However, having bad breath is not only from what you've consumed or to the diet you are taking, but it might mark potential mouth or gum infections as its cause. By not keeping ggod dental care practices like brushing and flossing the teeth, food stays in between the teeth where bacteria gathers an...
Finding a Qualified Implant Dentist
By: Erich Shrefler | 09/12/2009Like all medical procedures, looking for an implant dentist involves a process. Factors like your own comfort are as important as the experience and professionalism of the dentist.
Differences Between Cosmetic Dentistry and General Dentistry
By: Erich Shrefler | 09/12/2009The biggest difference between cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry is the technology used. Cosmetic dentists uses advanced, state-of-the-art technology to artfully craft tooth restorations.
How Teeth Whitening Works
By: Jesse Ryan | 09/12/2009Teeth whitening are one of the most important aspects in the modern society. A bright smile not only enhances your personality, but it also helps you gain confidence. Enamel is the top-most layer present on the surface of the teeth which is...
Dental Implants Can Improve Your Smile
By: Darian Kaar | 09/12/2009In between spaces in the teeth due to missing dentures or just plain gaps can alter the way you look every time you smile or open your mouth to speak. It can also impede with your chewing because of the fear that bits of food will get stuck on the gaps. This particular oral condition can be corrected with the help of dental implants. This can also offer you utmost comfort and confidence every time you are with your friends because you no longer have to cover your mouth every time you open it.
Tired of Dentures? Consider Dental Implants
By: Randolph Francis | 09/12/2009Dental implants are essentially metallic roots that get connected to the tooth. These implants are embedded in the jaw bone.
Dental Cleaning Best service in Macomb County MI
By: Sandy Longman | 09/12/2009Dental Cleaning Special in Macomb County MI
Dental Implants Explaination
By: Sandy Longman | 09/12/2009Implants Explaination of what they are.
Boating Accidents
By: Patricia Woloch | 21/09/2009 | Personal InjuryRecreational boating is meant to be just that – recreational. But every year up to 1,000 people in the U.S. die due to recreational boating accidents.
Don'T Loose Sleep Guessing
By: Patricia Woloch | 04/03/2009 | SleepSleep apnea affects millions of Americans and many do not know they suffer from it. Please read the following common questions about sleep apnea to help you better understand the condition and its treatments.
Premises Liability Law: Protection When You Slip And Fall
By: Patricia Woloch | 27/02/2009 | Personal InjuryPremises liability law holds property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their property in order to prevent needless injuries. The majority of premises liability claims involve slip and fall accidents.
What Does Cataract Surgery Entail?
By: Patricia Woloch | 27/02/2009 | VisionRecent developments and advancements in ophthalmic technology has been a fantastic boon for patients suffering with cataracts. In the old days, surgery was usually followed by having to wear a contact and glasses so vision was mostly restored.
Injured In A Mall? You May Want A Lawyer
By: Patricia Woloch | 26/02/2009 | Personal InjuryHave you ever gone to a mall and thought, “I can’t use the elevator. It might not be safe” or “What if I go down this hall and the floor is wet”?
Personal Injury Law
By: Patricia Woloch | 23/02/2009 | Personal InjuryA personal injury refers to any physical or psychological damage caused by the negligence, recklessness or intention of another person or entity. A personal injury can devastate the victim physically, psychologically and financially. You may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages.
Spinal Cord Injury And Social Security Disability Insurance
By: Patricia Woloch | 20/02/2009 | LawSpinal cord injuries can be very traumatic. The spine is very, very sensitive and injuries to the spinal cord can vary from minor back pain to debilitating paralysis. The spine is the home to the cells that deliver the commands from the brain to the rest of the body.
Common Questions And Concerns About Botox
By: Patricia Woloch | 20/02/2009 | Plastic SurgeriesLots of people have questions about Botox Cosmetic, and often times they share similar concerns. Here are some answers to the most common questions about Botox.