I wanted to start a discussion of just what lasers can do for gum health. There is a lot of information currently available about gum disease and overall health. Research has found that with gum disease, coronary artery disease is almost twice as likely to occur. Coronary artery disease results in a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries. It may be that bacteria that causes gum disease enters the blood stream and increases clot formation in blood vessels.
Even though up to 80% of the population suffers from some form of gum disease, it is not always apparent or obvious. This is because it rarely hurts until the damage becomes quite advanced. The common warning signs of gum disease include gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, swollen or tender gums, red gums, and spaces that develop between teeth. Other warning signs include bad breath or bad taste, long teeth from extreme gum recession and/or a change in your bite.
What can be done about this common problem and how can we maintain our teeth and gums so that we keep them healthy for life? As a holistic dentist practicing in San Diego, I have years of experience treating gum problems. I have found that there are basically three levels of care that work in conjunction to improve gum health. I first remove the plaque and hard deposits that cause bacteria buildup and gum inflammation. I then use natural products in the office and recommend other products for home use to continue to lower inflammation and promote healing of the gums. I then use laser gum treatment to stimulate the gums and eliminate the pocketing that promotes gum disease.
This protocol offered at my holistic dental office is one that almost any patient can do because it is less painful than most of the other options and less expensive as well. Compared with surgery, it is a lot less painful and less expensive. With this approach to gum treatment, I have found that patients can go from moderate gum disease, with 4-6 mm pocketing, to a healthy 2-3 mm pocket range. Quite a difference for them, and they are very happy they were able to avoid surgery. Surgery is always an option, but wouldn’t you rather try the conservative approach to treat gum pain and periodontal disease first?
If you are local to San Diego, we will be happy to answer your questions to see if holistic dentistry may be the right approach for you.
Dr. Carey O’Rielly is a holistic dentist in San Diego, California who truly understands and practices the tenets of holistic health, both as a practitioner and in his personal life. His remarkable knowledge of the field came about through years of study and experience, initiated by his own work-related health challenges.
