Gum disease is a serious problem that affects far too many Americans each year. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is caused by bacteria that result from plaque and tartar buildups within the mouth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause severe inflammation of the gums, bleeding, and tooth loss. While such oral repercussions are certainly severe in their own right, gum disease has also been medically linked to a number of health problems, including cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease — all the more reason to make treatment a top priority.
As a dentist who believes in using the latest technologies, developments, and treatments on the market to provide his patients with the ultimate oral care, Medford, New Jersey’s Dr. Stuart Levy is pleased to offer a new method of treating periodontal disease called Perio Protect. Perio Protect involves the use of a series of customized trays that the patient must wear anywhere from one to several times a day for 10-minute intervals. These trays contain medicinal solutions designed to combat the unhealthy oral bacteria that cause gum disease, as well as a host of other bodily problems. The medicines inside the Perio Protect trays are also known to treat some side effects of gum disease such as bone damage and inflammation.
While the primary goal of Perio Protect is to minimize the presence of bacteria within a patient’s mouth, the data behind it suggests that this method works to virtually eliminate the bad bacteria altogether. While standard methods of in-office gum disease treatment can help remove plaque and tartar to reduce the existence of unhealthy bacteria, this form of gum disease management is limited in that such bacteria have the ability to reproduce in a relatively short amount of time; therefore, a patient who undergoes such treatment is still exposed to the reappearance of bacteria i between office visits. Perio Protect, on the other hand, works to treat patients constantly.
Perhaps the greatest thing about the Perio Protect method is the fact that the process is painless, especially when compared to invasive surgery that is often necessary to combat gum disease. The Perio Protect medicinal trays are soft and flexible, making them a comfortable and convenient method of treatment (in fact, they’re sort of like mouth guards, only less cumbersome). Because the trays only have to be worn several times a day for 10 minutes at a time, they can be used in a manner that does not interfere with a patient’s life. Those undergoing treatment using Perio Protect can simply wear their trays in the morning or at night, thereby eliminating the need to sport them in public.
One objective of the Perio Protect method is to help gum disease patients avoid surgery or similarly invasive procedures as part of their treatment. However, in some cases, surgery for gum disease cannot be avoided. In such situations, surgical treatments can be performed in conjunction with the Perio Protect method for a more comprehensive approach to tackling harmful bacteria and minimizing the problem to the greatest extent possible.
There is no question about it: Gum disease is no laughing matter, and the longer you neglect it, the worse it is bound to get. Fortunately, thanks to Perio Protect, patients suffering from periodontal disease can get the help they need in a manner that is far less painful than the treatment methods of old. Remember, once you’re diagnosed with gum disease, all the wishful thinking in the world won’t make it go away. But by getting treated promptly and efficiently, you can protect your mouth – and your body – from the many dangers associated with gum disease.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
