Periodontal Disease & Treatment

In this essential episode of the Smile Squad Academy Podcast, we dive into the world of Periodontics—the dental specialty focused on preventing and treating periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease is not just about bad breath or bleeding gums; it's the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and can signal deeper systemic health issues.

You’ll learn the key factors that contribute to periodontal disease, including plaque buildup, calculus, and systemic health conditions like diabetes and AIDS. We also cover the common signs and symptoms to look out for—such as swollen gums, bad breath, and tooth mobility—and explain the different stages of gum disease, from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis.

Listeners will walk away with an understanding of diagnostic tools like probing depths and radiographs, as well as common periodontal treatments ranging from professional cleanings and root planing to surgical interventions like gingivectomy, gingivoplasty, and gingival grafting.

Whether you're a dental assistant in training or brushing up on your skills, this episode equips you to support patients battling gum disease with knowledge, empathy, and confidence.

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