Fun fact: September is National Gum Care Month! While making sure your gums are in excellent health is crucial year-round, let’s take this opportunity to learn about gum disease in North Naples and how to prevent it. We’ll also take a look at how the revolutionary LANAP technology can treat this condition. Read on below to learn more.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection in the gums, usually caused by poor oral hygiene. When bacteria in plaque build up after not being removed by brushing and flossing, they harden into a substance called tartar. Bacteria in tartar attack the gums and the structures supporting the teeth. If gum disease is not treating, it can eventually cause tooth loss.
That’s not the only consequence of gum disease. The condition has been linked to multiple other health issues, including:
- Diabetes
- Birth complications in pregnant women
- Alzheimer’s
- Heart disease
- Stroke
This is why if you have gum disease, it’s critical to get it treated as soon as possible. Luckily, LANAP provides an easy way to do that.
What Is LANAP in North Naples?
LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. Instead of a scalpel and stitches, this treatment uses a tiny laser that’s about the same width as three human hairs. This ultra-thin laser fits painlessly between your tooth and your gum tissue to remove the harmful elements of gum disease.
Additionally, LANAP takes significantly less time than traditional periodontal therapy. It only takes two two-hour visits to your dentist’s office, unlike traditional surgery, which requires four one-hour sessions, and several follow-up appointments to remove the sutures. LANAP is suture-free, and deliver better results. 98 percent of patients treated with LANAP found no return of their gum disease after five years.
Following the treatment, your dentist will probably recommend a diet of soft foods for the next couple of days. After all, your gums need time to heal and regenerate, and they will be a little sensitive. However, the recovery period is much shorter than that of traditional surgery.
How Can You Take Care of Your Gums?
In order to prevent gum disease in the first place, take care of your gums by following these steps:
- Brush your teeth and gumline every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss every day.
- Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Quit smoking.
- If you’re diabetic, keep your blood sugar levels under control.
- See your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
By following the steps listed above, you can celebrate National Gum Care Month in style.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Makram has been practicing cosmetic, general, and implant dentistry in Naples, Florida for more than two decades now. He utilizes only the most state-of-the-art technology in his practice, including LANAP to treat gum disease. If you’re seeking treatment for your gum disease, don’t hesitate to contact the doctor via his website or by calling (239) 513-9990.
