Preventive dentistry focuses on the health of your gums and teeth so that dental issues won’t arise in the future. Think of preventive dental care as a similar concept to maintaining your car with oil changes and other such things that will keep the automobile from much more expensive and time-consuming mechanical work in the future. Periodontal disease (gum disease) consists of inflammation when gums are infiltrated by bacteria. Gum recession and tooth loss are down the road if gum disease isn’t tended to with help from your dentist. Periodontal treatments and a new outlook on prevention can help with future gum disease issues, but there’s no definitive cure for gum disease. However, your Greenfield family dentists, Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda will highlight a new study that focuses on utilizing protein filled capsules to alleviate periodontal disease.
Gum Disease Research
Dr. Steven Little presented research at the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society regarding protein in relation to periodontal disease. The study began with laboratory experiments on mice. Efforts were set forth to discern if regrowth of the gingival tissues ravaged by periodontal disease was possible. Scientists focused on the periodontal response to protein exposure as a means of halting gum disease and restoring gum tissues.
Protein Fights Gum Disease
When patients have the early phase of gum disease (gingivitis) the main symptom, if any, is mildly puffy gum tissue that might bleed when brushing vigorously or flossing. Ignoring these early gum disease signs, neglecting regular visits to the dentist, and failing to brush and floss regularly can allow tartar to build up further and gum disease to worsen. Once in the periodontitis stage periodontal pockets form between the gums and teeth and gum recession can begin, weakening the attachment of the gingival tissues to teeth.
The research team, under Dr. Little’s leadership, utilized controlled-released protein capsules to battle periodontitis. The capsules were inserted into periodontal pockets where they dissolved slowly. This time-releasing of pure protein guided immune cells to the areas of infected gum tissue. According to the early results of the research, this protein elicits a surge of white blood cells that can potentially stop gum disease in its tracks. The protein also has the potential to stimulate gum tissue regrowth.
General Dentistry in Greenfield
Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda will be happy to address any questions or concerns and provide you with quality dental care. To make an appointment, contact our 01301 dentist office by calling 413-772-0842. We are happy to serve patients in the western region of Massachusetts, close to the surrounding states of CT, NH, VT, and NY.