Periodontitis is an inflammatory disorder that usually occurs secondary to periodontal disease. It is characterized by the progressive destruction of the periodontium. It is a common disease of the gums and is usually caused by microbial agents present in large accumulations of dental plaque in the oral cavity. 

Periodontitis ranks high among the top threats to dental health today. It occurs more commonly in adults above the age of 65, and adults aged 30 years or older usually have some form of periodontal disease. It is also more common in men than in women, and smokers have a higher chance of developing periodontal disease. Chronic periodontitis can cause tooth loss, bone loss, and weakening of teeth. 

Causes of Chronic Inflammatory Disease in Periodontal Disease

Infection of oral tissue by bacteria causes periodontal disease. Bacteria accumulate on the teeth to form a film called plaque which can harden to form calculus. Calculus and the bacteria they contain can spread below the gum line and cause inflammation, which can progress to cause chronic inflammatory disease. 

Thus, chronic inflammatory periodontitis can occur due to long-standing periodontal disease. This makes it essential to have regular visits with your dentist Medford to clean and remove plaque to prevent periodontal disease formation. 

Is Chronic Inflammatory Periodontitis A Failure To Resolve?

Chronic inflammatory periodontitis indicates a failure to resolve the inflammatory response as a result of microbial infection. It also indicates an ongoing effort by the body to eradicate the oral infection from periodontal disease. 

Signs Of Chronic Inflammatory Periodontitis and Periodontal Disease

Some of the most common signs of Periodontal disease include:

• Persistent Halitosis ( Bad breath)
• Swollen or red gums 
• Bleeding and tender gums
• Pain while chewing
• Sensitive teeth
• Pulling away gums from teeth
• Loosening of teeth
• Changes in the fit of partial dentures

Risk Factors For Periodontal Disease

Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of an individual developing periodontal disease. Such factors include:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Heredity
• Poor oral hygiene
• Misshaped teeth
• Underlying immunodeficiency conditions, e.g., AIDS
• Use of medications that cause dry mouth 
• Ill-fitting dental bridges 
• Female Hormonal Treatments

Treatments For Periodontitis and Periodontal Disease

A qualified periodontist, dental hygienist, or dentist performs treatment for periodontal disease. Treatment for periodontal disease aims to ensure that the teeth are thoroughly cleaned and that damage to the surrounding bone is prevented. To maximize the results from treatments, it is essential to adopt good daily oral care. 

Treatments for periodontitis can either be surgical or non-surgical. Some non-surgical treatments for periodontitis include:

• Scaling: This treatment is done to remove calculus and bacteria accumulated on tooth surfaces and below the gum line. Lasers and ultrasound devices can be used during this procedure. 
• Root planing: This treatment involves the removal of bacteria and bacterial by-products by smoothening the rough surface. Smoothening of teeth surface also discourages the buildup of bacteria. 
• Antibiotics: Oral and topical antibiotics can be used to manage periodontitis. After using topical antibiotics, it might be necessary also to use oral antibiotics to eliminate any inflammation-causing bacteria.

In advanced or chronic periodontitis, treatment might require dental surgery. Some of the standard procedures include: 

• Flap surgery: This involves lifting gum sections to expose the roots of the teeth for more effective scaling and planning. The underlying bone can also be restructured during this procedure before the gums are sutured back. 
• Bone grafting: This procedure replaces sections of bone that may have been lost due to periodontitis. Bone to be grafted can be gotten from other parts of the body or produced synthetically. 
• Soft tissue grafts: Your gumline recedes as the gum tissue is lost. Some of your damaged soft tissue may require reinforcement. This is usually accomplished by removing a tiny quantity of tissue from the palate or connecting tissue from another donor source to the damaged area. This can help prevent additional gum recession, hide exposed roots, and improve the appearance of your teeth.

However, one thing you must note is that chronic periodontitis can only be treated but cannot be cured. Proper and regular dental hygiene is required to maintain dental health and prevent periodontal disease.

It is essential to know the symptoms of periodontal disease to begin early treatment and prevent progression to chronic inflammatory periodontitis. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of periodontitis or you would like to have a regular dental check-up, then consult your Medford dentist today. 

A lot of people today whiten their teeth for various reasons. Regardless of the reason behind teeth whitening, it remains a great way to enhance your

 self-confidence while giving you a brighter smile. There are a lot of teeth whitening products available for sale today. However, it is best to use professional teeth cleaning services to get a better and longer-lasting teeth whitening result.

To ensure that you enjoy the maximum benefits from teeth whitening, knowing what you can and cannot do after teeth whitening is essential. Below, we’ve discussed a few guidelines on what not to do if you wish to keep your teeth whiter for longer. Read on to find out. 

Do Not Drink Colored Beverages

After teeth whitening treatment, it is vital to avoid all intensely colored beverages. Examples of such beverages include:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Red Wine
• Sodas
• Fruit juices 
• Beer

These drinks contain artificial or vibrant colors which can easily stain teeth. However, if you must have any of these drinks, we advise that you drink through a straw as straws can help keep the liquid away from your freshly-whitened teeth, ensuring that your teeth remain whiter for longer. 

Avoid Staining Foods

Like colored beverages, there are also certain foods you must avoid after teeth whitening. Greasy, colored, or acidic food has a damaging effect on the enamel, which can become even more pronounced after teeth whitening causing staining. Examples of staining foods to avoid after teeth whitening include:

• Red Meat
• Colorful spices like turmeric curry, paprika, etc. 
• Dark-colored sauces like red sauce, balsamic vinegar, etc.
• Acidic fruits like citrus, lemons, oranges, lime, etc. 
• Highly colored berries like blueberries, blackberries, etc. 
• Dark chocolate and Milk
• Pigmented vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, etc.
• Colored candy.

A good way of identifying staining foods is by following a basic rule of thumb: if a particular food stains a shirt, it will also stain the teeth. To ensure that your teeth remain whiter for longer, it becomes essential to avoid these foods. 

Do Not Take Cut Out Tobacco Products

Tobacco products rank around the top as one of the fastest ways to stain or re-stain freshly-whitened teeth. Tobacco as a substance is also harmful to general oral health. Compared to individuals who do not use tobacco products, tobacco users have to whiten their teeth constantly. While quitting tobacco products is beneficial to your health, it is also very beneficial if you wish to maintain your smile while having new white teeth. 

Do Not Use Colored Dental Hygiene Products

You should avoid using colored dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash with colors immediately after and in the days following your teeth whitening procedure. Dental hygiene products colored blue, red, purple, or other colors tend to re-stain teeth faster, especially when compared to dental hygiene products that are lightly colored or colored white. 

Some individuals might experience some sensitivity after teeth whitening. If that is the case for you, you could try using desensitizing toothpaste or mouthwash. You should also visit your Medford Dentist to discuss the other options available for managing sensitive teeth. 

What To Eat After Whitening Your Teeth

We’ve discussed what you cannot do after whitening your teeth. Now let’s talk about some foods and beverages that are completely safe for you to take after a teeth whitening procedure. After teeth whitening, you might want to try a “white diet.” This diet involves eating only white or colorless foods for about two weeks following your whitening procedure. 

Some foods and beverages that are safe to consume after teeth whitening include: 

• White rice
• Whitefish: Examples include cod, tilapia, haddock, etc.
• Uncolored pasta
• Plain yogurt
• Oatmeal
• Tofu
• Chicken
• Cereal (ensure that there are no artificial colors or dyes)
• Potatoes
• Egg whites
• Chickpeas
• Cauliflower
• Cheese (ensure that there are no artificial colors or dyes)
• Bananas, among others.

Beverages you can drink include:

• Coconut water
• Unflavored still or sparkling water
• White wine
• Clear alcohol with clear mixers

If you need teeth cleaning services or want to know more about what and what not to do after teeth whitening, book an appointment with your Medford dentist today and begin the journey to getting a brighter smile today.