Periodontics

Periodontal disease or gum disease is now being associated with our overall health and well-being. Researchers are finding links between the bacteria that causes periodontal disease and serious medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, COPD, and stroke. The bacteria has also been found to cause premature or low birth-weight babies. Now that we know our oral health plays a key role in the health of our entire body, it is important to screen for and treat periodontal disease.

Preventing Gum Disease

Periodontics | Gum Disease Treatment | Columbus Dr. Hughes and the Pacer Dental staff stress the importance of good gum care and how it can affect the overall health of your mouth and teeth.

You can reduce your risk of developing gum disease by practicing proper oral hygiene on a daily basis. This includes thoroughly brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. It is important for patients to practice proper brushing and flossing techniques to ensure that teeth are adequately cleaned.

The products you choose for your dental hygiene can also play a role in keeping teeth happy and healthy. Electronic toothbrushes are among one of the safest and most effective types of toothbrush for most patients. Fluoride products can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay, but should not be used on children under the age of six.

Seeing Dr. Hughes for a professional cleaning on a regular basis is also essential to maintaining good dental health, as he can remove plaque and other substances that have built up on the teeth over time. Dr. Hughes will also recommend other prevention techniques you can take to help maintain your health and prevent gum disease and other conditions. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding smoking can also help maintain dental and overall health.

Oral Pathology

Education and experience are the basis for great dental care at Pacer Dental.

In addition to screening for and treating periodontal disease, Pacer Dental also evaluates the teeth and mouth for any indications of a pathological process, including oral cancer.

Normally, the inside of the mouth appears pink and smooth because of a special lining called mucosa. Certain changes within the mouth may indicate a growth or abnormality that should be treated quickly and efficiently. Some of these changes may include:

Red or white patches in the mouth (may be oral cancer)
Sores that do not heal and/or bleed easily
Thickening of the skin inside the mouth
Difficulty swallowing or chewing
Chronic sore throat or hoarseness

These changes can occur anywhere in or around the mouth, including the lips, cheeks, gum tissue, tongue, face or neck. If you detect any of these or other abnormalities, you should seek medical attention so that the condition can be properly diagnosed.

It is recommended that patients perform monthly oral cancer screenings at home in order to detect any changes as soon as they occur.

OralDNA Labs

At our office, we use clinical laboratory services from OralDNA Labs™ to ensure we are giving our patients the best oral health information possible. OralDNA Labs™ is a specialty diagnostics company designed to provide reliable, definitive and cost effective clinical tests that guide oral health professionals in detecting and prognosing disease at an earlier, more treatable stage.