Arestin® for Gum Disease: A Safe and Effective Treatment By on May 05, 2014

As one of the more wide-spread chronic dental diseases today, periodontal (gum) disease affects over half of the adult population in the United States, and remains the leading cause of permanent tooth loss. Despite its prevalence, gum disease is also one of the most-highly preventable and treatable dental conditions today, typically forming from little more than poor dental hygiene practices. Besides improving smiles through high-quality cosmetic dentistry services, Dr. Wayne Myles also provides advanced restorative and periodontal care to protect your smile from serious dental health issues. In an effort to combat the effects of progressive gum disease, your dedicated Reston dentist offers Arestin® antibiotic treatment to eradicate the bacteria responsible for gum disease.

A Close Look at Gum Disease

Though it has “disease” in its name, gum disease begins with a bacterial infection, known as gingivitis. At last count, scientists have identified over 600 different kinds of oral bacteria, and many more that have yet to be classified. When allowed to accumulate unchecked, these microbes are the driving force behind gum disease, as well as tooth decay, chronic bad breath, and other dental health issues.

When mouth germs gather, they form dental plaque to protect them from saliva and your mouth’s other natural defenses. Some germs prefer to linger along your gum line, where the tissue meets your teeth, and can release toxins that attack the connective tissues underneath your gums. As the tissue separates from your teeth, small pockets form that allows bacteria to sneak underneath your gums and onto the surfaces of your teeth’s roots. Left untreated, the bacterial infection will worsen as more bacteria infect your gums, and eventually, gum disease will fully develop.

Treatment with Arestin®

Periodontal treatment usually involves a deep periodontal cleaning, or scaling and root planing, that describes cleaning bacteria off of your teeth’s roots, and then smoothing the roots’ surfaces to discourage future buildup. With proper care and maintenance, and an improved home hygiene schedule, you can reverse gingivitis or control gum disease to prevent the destruction it can cause, like tooth loss. Dr. Myles may also recommend applying antibacterial Arestin® to directly target gum disease germs in your periodontal tissues. With the addition of Arestin®, your periodontal treatment has a higher chance of preserving your oral health in the long-term, though diligent hygiene at home is still an important necessity.

Is Gum Disease Preventable?

Once gingivitis becomes gum disease, the condition is no longer reversible. However, controlling the disease is similar to preventing it in the first place, and can prove just as effective at maintaining your good oral health.

Brush and floss your teeth at least twice every day to control the population of bacteria in your mouth
If you can’t brush your teeth after a meal, rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the substances oral bacteria produce
Don’t skip your dental checkups and cleanings. Professional dental care will allow Dr. Myles to inspect your teeth and gums to ensure their good health, or to spot early signs of gingivitis and treat the condition before it blossoms.