PIRO LENO, D.M.D.
12 Porter Street | Melrose, MA 02176
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Would it surprise you to learn that 80% of American adults have some form of gum disease? This is a troublesome statistic, particularly given that periodontal disease is completely preventable. Untreated gum disease can eventually cause a host of problems, potentially resulting in losing your teeth.
Our dental team believes that patients deserve the very best. To ensure that we offer the finest dental care available, we stay up to date on the latest dental technology and equipment.
That’s why we’ve invested in Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR). LBR is a powerful tool in our arsenal to help eliminate the oral bacteria that cause gum disease.
Gum disease, medically known as periodontal disease, is an inflammatory disease that damages the tissues that surround and support the teeth. It is commonly caused by poor dental hygiene.
When it first starts, gum disease is known as gingivitis. This is a very common condition that can cause the following symptoms.
-Bad breath
-Tender gums
-Receding gums
-Dark red gums
-Puffy or swollen gums
-Gums bleed easily whenever you brush or floss
Gingivitis begins when oral bacteria begin feeding upon food debris left behind by improper oral hygiene. This creates something called plaque, which is a sticky film adhering to the surfaces of teeth. If you do not remove this plaque by brushing and flossing, it can mineralize into a hardened form called tartar. Only a professional dental cleaning can remove tartar.
Periodontitis is a severe, and irreversible, form of periodontal disease involving inflamed or infected bone beneath the gums. Periodontitis leads to the gums receding away from the teeth and the formation of deep pockets. These pockets harbor plaque and bacteria, giving them safe harbor to do even more damage, eventually leading to bone loss. In turn, this damage to the underlying support structures of the teeth can cause them to loosen and fall out over time.
The primary cause of gum disease is improper oral hygiene, which allows bacteria to thrive and create plaque and tartar. Some common risk factors for developing gum disease include:
-Using tobacco products
-Crooked or overlapping teeth that are difficult to clean
-Certain hormonal changes
-Poor nutrition, including diets high in sugar
-Cancer and cancer treatment
-Infrequent dental care
-Low saliva production
Although bad breath is commonly found in those with gum disease, it can also be caused by other problems, such as:
-Dry mouth
-Tonsil stones
-Smoking
-Mouth breathing
-Partially erupted wisdom teeth
If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, contact us to schedule an appointment and get it checked out. The earlier gum disease is detected and treated, the better your chances of eliminating it or minimizing its effects.
Laser bacterial reduction is a painless treatment that removes bacteria in and around gum pockets caused by periodontal disease. We use the Epic Hygiene tool, which has been approved by the FDA as the only hygiene laser used in laser bacterial reduction.
-Fast, painless, and noninvasive
-Boosts the immune system and enhances overall health
-Stimulates gum tissue, making gums resistant to infection
-Lowers risk of cross-contamination during treatments
The laser bacterial reduction procedure does not use hot, blinding, or painful lasers. It involves the use of a dental laser that, instead of cutting, uses laser energy to eliminate stubborn oral bacteria. If you are already undergoing scaling and root planing to treat your gum disease, laser bacterial reduction will amplify its effects.
Your dentist can complete your laser bacterial reduction procedure in only a few minutes, and its benefits can last for months.
Although laser bacterial reduction will not eliminate gingivitis completely after only one treatment, it is a powerful way of helping your gums heal and eventually reverse the disease. If you combine this treatment with proper oral hygiene at home, and regular dental cleanings, you can make your gingivitis a thing of the past.
Almost anyone can benefit from laser bacterial reduction, not just those with periodontal disease. For example, even a routine dental cleaning can lead to some minor bleeding. Laser bacterial reduction can protect your mouth from possible infection.
Laser bacterial reduction has even been used as a treatment for herpetic lesions and cold sores. It can be used as part of a regular dental cleaning appointment to reduce oral bacteria and support healthy gums.
Improve your smile today
For more information about laser bacterial reduction with the Epic Hygiene tool, please contact our dental office today. Our team would be delighted to help you understand the importance of oral hygiene and how Laser Bacterial Reduction can further assist in maintaining your smile. We happily accept new patients and many insurance plans. Call today!
Most patients who are dealing with severe gum disease wish they could go back in time and take oral hygiene more seriously. If you do not currently have gum disease, or have gingivitis, there are some things that you can do to prevent or reverse this disease.
Practicing proper oral hygiene means that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once daily. Even better, brush your teeth following every meal or snack. If you are away from home, rinse your mouth out with water following every snack or meal. When you return home, resume your normal oral care routine.
The oral bacteria that cause periodontal disease feed upon food and sugars within your mouth. So make sure that you are eating a healthy diet, and restrict your consumption of foods high in sugar, particularly sugary, acidic foods like soft drinks.
If you don’t already have gum disease, your dentist will likely recommend that you visit at least twice a year for a dental cleaning appointment. If you have certain risk factors for periodontal disease, they may recommend that you visit more frequently.
12 Porter Street, Melrose, MA 02176 – phone (781) 665-1552 – fax (781) 665-5826
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