Gum disease or periodontal disease is typically caused when plaque, which is continuously forming on the teeth, accumulates to excessive levels. This plaque hardens into a substance called tartar, which is very tightly bound to the teeth and eventually destroys the surrounding tissues that support the teeth. The earliest symptom of gum disease is bleeding from the gums. At its very worst, you could lose your teeth to gum disease.

Fighting Gum Disease  

Home care, which includes proper dietary choices, good dental hygiene , a healthy lifestyle and dental instrnments are  the major factors in fighting gum disease.  

Proper Diet- Dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables, cereals, fish and grain all contribute in different ways towards the health of your gums and should be included in your regular diet.  

It should be obvious why you should treat possible oral health problems. Anything that doesn't feel or look right is a sign that something may be amiss and that you aren't in a good state. Surprisingly though, a lot of people take things for granted. What they may not know is that greater problems can emerge from seemingly smaller ones.  

Without appropriate gum treatment, you could suffer from bad breath and bleeding at the very least. This however can easily progress to pockets of bacterial infection. This could invade the tissues of the gums and the bones that form the foundation of your teeth. Tooth loss can then happen and for some people, the soft tissues and bones can become so damaged that dentists have no other choice but to employ extreme solutions.  

Treatment options for periodontal disease include regenerative and surgical procedures. Periodontal surgery is used only when it is believed that regenerative procedures will not work. The aim of the treatment is to remove the bacteria that are causing the infection. If the disease is in initial stages, it can be effectively treated by using antibiotics. Proper oral hygiene is very important during the entire treatment procedure. If detected early, periodontal diseases can be easily controlled by maintaining good oral hygiene.  

Scaling and root planning are common treatment procedures which are employed to treat periodontal disease. Scaling is performed to remove the plaque layer from the teeth. The plaque layer is mechanically scraped off the teeth. Ultrasonic instruments may be used to remove the scales. Root planning is done to make the surface of the teeth's mouth softer so that plaque cannot build up.  

Since it is so patient friendly, the LANAP procedure also works to reduce patient anxiety about the treatment. "Many patients who are diagnosed with gum disease refuse to have it treated because of fear." Said LANAP practitioner, Dr. Bruce LaChot. According to Dr. LaChot, this fear of perceived pain and discomfort, not to mention the inconvenience of time off work, has caused many to procrastinate on badly needed treatment. "Now with LANAP, they can relax it really reduces a patient's anxiety." He said.  

Typically, LANAP is less expensive than traditional gum surgery. Costs, however, do vary depending on the extent of gum disease and the individual LANAP practitioner. LANAP is available throughout the United States, and, most large or medium cities have at least one or two LANAP practitioners.