Gingivitis is a term we hear about on TV and in the media all the time. It is actually the most common disease in the world. But what is it? It is an inflammatory process(like arthritis) AND an infectious process (like a staph infection) that causes the gums to lose their normal anatomy and SWELL UP with fluid and excess blood. It comes in three stages:  mild, moderate, or severe. You can see it yourself fairly easily if you look into your own mouth when you have the moderate or severe varieties. It comes from “plaque”. Plaque is a combination of bacteria, food particles, and exfoliated or dead gum cells.

Plaque can be made “worse” by the chemical nature of certain types of food that we eat. Plaque also must be controlled by two methods: what you do at home and visiting the dentist’s office on time.

Either method done alone, or poorly, will automatically lead to tooth loss and dentures. There are basic treatments in the dental office: basic regular cleanings if only minor gingivitis is present, and “deep cleaing gum treatment” if significant gingivitis is present.Significant gingivitis that is left alone or untreated turns into “PERIODINTITIS”. More about that next time. Keep smiling!

Welcome to the website and blog of Drs. Kowal and MacIlwaine. We have been happy to serve the Richmond Virginia community since 1984. Prior to starting the practice here, both Drs. were trained in many phases of medicine while attending a residency program at East Carolina Medical School. It is from this experience that the Drs. developed a deep appreciation for the relationship between dental health and overall health. While there, they also received training from many dental specialists, including children’s dentists, and oral surgeons. From this, they developed expertise in treating children, and also the foundation which would lead them into placing implants. They also worked with many Senior patients, even going into nursing homes to provide care.

The Drs. have also received special training in cosmetic veneers and “Lumineers”. Residency training as well as training since then has pertained to overall health, and has led to their interest in Wellness.

 

In future blog postings, there will be discussions on these topics and many more. We look forward to sharing these with you and hearing from you as well. Here’s to your health!