Thursday, July 11, 2013

Sandy Springs Periodontist: What are periodontal diseases?

Periodontal diseases are bacterial gum infections that destroy the gums and supporting bone that hold your teeth in your mouth. The disease which can be caused by multiple factors can affect one tooth or many teeth.
The main cause is bacterial plaque, a sticky, whitish film that constantly forms on your teeth. If it is not removed, it can turn into a hard substance called calculus or tartar in less than 48 hours. Tartar is so hard it can only be removed by an oral health professional, such as a dentist or dental hygienist. The bacteria in plaque infect the gums, and release poisons that cause redness and inflammation around your teeth.  The inflammation and poisons cause the destruction of the tissues that support your teeth. Once this happens, the gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets that fill with even more plaque causing even deeper and more infection.

The disease is multi-factorial.  Meaning, there is not just one cause of periodontal diseases but rather multiple factors that can affect the oral health of your gums.

 ● SYSTEMIC DISEASES that interfere with the body’s immune system may adversely affect the condition of the gums and supporting bone.
● POOR NUTRITION can make it difficult for the body’s immune system to fight off infection.
● GENETICS and family history of periodontal diseases suggest a propensity for developing these diseases.
● TOBACCO use significantly increases the risk of developing periodontal diseases and can thwart treatment.
● HORMONAL CHANGES in women during pregnancy, puberty and menopause can cause the gums to become inflamed and bleed easily.
● POOR ORAL HYGIENE technique, oral piercing, drug or alcohol abuse can affect periodontal health.
● STRESS can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.
● Some MEDICATIONS such as oral contraceptives, antidepressants and certain heart medicine can affect oral health.

Dr. Zinney is a periodontist trained in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases, and oral inflammation. In addition, Dr. Zinney is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of oral pathology.  On the north side of Atlanta, Dr. Zinney works in conjunction with Right Smile Center’s prosthodontist Dr. Novy Scheinfeld to provide you with the finest of care in a practice serving 4 decades of patients.  Dr. Zinney has a reputation of making your visits calm and soothing. The entire team is dedicated to providing you with the personalized, gentle care that you deserve. If you are in need of a complimentary consult to determine your oral health situation please feel free to contact us.

William Zinney, DDS
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
info@rightsmilecenter.com
http://www.rightsmilecenter.com

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http://therightsmile.wordpress.com/2013/03/04/sandy-springs-periodontist-william-zinney-dds/

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