Periodontic Protection


Your mother was right - brush and floss after every meal.
Your life will be more enjoyable when you have healthy teeth and gums. You?l have a more attractive smile, you won? be in pain and you’ll have a more attractive smile, you won’t be


Unfortunately, gum disease is present in almost 50 percent of teenagers and 75 percent of adults over age 35. Factors that contribute to gum disease are:

• Too much sugar and starch in the diet 
• Lack of good oral hygiene 
• High stress levels 
• Smoking 
• Don’t ignore the warning signs.

Left untreated, gum disease can:

• Cause low birthweight 
• Contribute to heart disease and stroke 
• Cause problems with the effectiveness of insulin for diabetics 
• Lead to serious health issues including osteoporosis, diabetes or bacterial respiratory infections 

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease.
The first signs of gingivitis are:

Plaque forms on the teeth 
Swollen and soft gums which are red and bleed easily. Often the change is detected when people notice their toothbrush bristles are pink  Plaque hardens overnight to form calcium 
With proper treatment and good oral hygiene, gingivitis can be reversed.

Periodontitis can occur next--the more dangerous stage of the disease.
Untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. Periodontitis can lead to irreversible damage to the gums and bone around the roots of the teeth. It can also have other serious health consequences.

Plaque begins to spreads and grow below the gum line 
Plaque bacteria creates toxins, which go on to irritate and inflame the gums 

Bacteria then enters the blood stream, which can affect vessels, organs and possibly the fetus  Tissue and bone that support the teeth break down  

How can you protect against this potentially life-threatening disease?

Dr. Reeve is the first dentist in Nebraska to offer this ground-breaking treatment. Perio Protect is a new, home care program for protecting your gums against periodontal disease. Using Perio Protect trays designed by Dr. Reeve, you can have a convenient, home care method of treating the sources of periodontal disease. Untreated gum disease leads to tooth loss, bad breath, and is linked to various kinds of heart disease. What you don't know can kill you!

Your customized Perio Protect dental trays, which are cleared by the FDA as a medical device, deliver doctor-perscribed medications directly to your gums. The trays and the medication will address your specific periodontal needs and conditions. As healing occurs, the frequency and use of the trays can be reduced.



Periodontal Disease FAQ

What are the warning signs of periodontal disease? 
Early warning signs vary from person to person, but they can include bleeding gums, bad breath and loose teeth. The danger to your health begins before the signs appear and you will need to be seen by a dental hygiene team to determine the signs.

Can periodontal disease be cured? 
Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection. There is no cure. It can be managed, which can prevent some of the more serious side effects, including heart disease, stroke, low birth weight and respiratory illnesses. 

How does periodontal disease affect my heart? 
Your heart’s blood vessels can be affected when bacteria from your gums enters the blood stream. The bacteria attaches to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries. This may lead to blockage and inflammation. Studies indicate that the rate of coronary artery disease can double in people with periodontal disease. It can also aggravate existing heart conditions.

How can periodontal disease affect my lungs? 
Infections can occur when bacteria found in your throat and mouth is drawn into your lower respiratory tract and cause infections. Bacteria growing in the oral cavity can also be breathed into your lungs leading to respiratory illnesses (such as pneumonia). This is especially prevalent in people with periodontal disease.

Pregnant women may be up to seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small, if periodontal disease is present. Periodontitis may cause increased levels of the biological fluid that induces labor.