Gum Disease

The term periodontal disease includes both gingivitis and periodontitis.  When the disease only affects the gum tissues it is termed gingivitis.  If gingivitis goes untreated it will progress to a state where the bone around the teeth is also compromised. This is called periodontitis. Many factors increase an individual’s risk of developing periodontal disease.  These factors include the use of tobacco products, poor oral hygiene, overall illness, uncontrolled diabetes and pregnancy. The staff at Delaware Smile Center screen for signs of periodontal disease at every hygiene appointment in an effort to help patients maintain good oral health.  Good oral health is critical to overall health.  When someone is diagnosed with periodontal disease, they are at an increased risk for developing heart problems, diabetes, or suffering from a stroke. It should also be noted that poor oral health can directly impact certain medical conditions.  For example, someone with periodontal disease combined with other risk factors, is more likely to develop uncontrolled diabetes.  In addition, scientific research has now uncovered a link between heart disease and gum disease.  All in all, there is a very strong correlation between oral health and systemic health. Signs of periodontal disease include soreness of the mouth, bleeding of the gums, halitosis (bad breath), mobility of teeth, or recession of the gums.  When signs of periodontal disease are detected, numerous screening tools are used to determine what treatment is necessary to restore an individual’s mouth to a healthy state.  Many times, the best form of treatment is a procedure referred to as scaling and root planing in which the patient receives medication to numb their mouth to allow for a thorough cleaning under their gum tissue.  This often requires commitment on the part of the patient because the procedure is usually done in multiple appointments. Once treatment is complete, it is critical to continue to seek routine oral care.  This allows us to monitor any changes and treat problems before they cause the patient any discomfort. With routine care, the long-term prognosis of periodontal disease is much better, thus improving one’s overall health.

Oral Cancer

Routine screenings for oral cancer are a critical part of maintaining proper oral health.  Oral cancer can affect not only the length, but also the quality of one’s life.  The doctors at Delaware Smile Center incorporate a thorough oral cancer screening at every periodic exam.  Oral cancer can occur on the lips, cheeks, tonsils, palate, or tongue.  Most often, oral cancer is found on the side or at the base of the tongue.  Once it develops, oral cancer typically spreads to the lymphatic system very quickly and can soon start to affect other organs.  Individuals that make life style choices that include tobacco use, increased consumption of alcohol, and extended exposure to the sun, are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer.