Paducah, KY (PRWEB) August 31, 2013
Paducah patients of Dr. Kelvin White who are pregnant and suffering from periodontal disease should schedule an appointment for gum disease treatment. Dr. White is part of the minority of dental professionals authorized to perform the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) to remove gum disease, a step that may reduce the likelihood of a baby being born with a low birth weight. Patients who have symptoms such as swollen or bleeding gums should also schedule an appointment to see if they have periodontal disease.
Studies have indicated that pregnant women who have periodontal disease and do not seek treatment may have a higher risk of having a low birth weight baby. Although gum disease has not been proven to directly cause low birth weight, it appears that there is a correlation in occurrences of each condition. With ten percent of babies born in the U.S. having a low birth weight, it is best for expectant mothers to do what they can to lower the likelihood of this condition. Besides facing health problems once they are born, low birth weight babies may have a greater risk of having chronic illnesses like stroke and diabetes later in life.
The laser gum surgery that Dr. White performs is less invasive than conventional surgery and results in fewer undesirable effects. LANAP causes no harm to healthy tissue, only gum disease absorbs the wavelength of the laser used, so patients experience less pain and shorter recovery times. The risk of later complications such as infections is reduced, since healthy tissue is left intact to support the teeth and since the laser has a cauterizing effect. LANAP is safe during pregnancy.
Symptoms of periodontal disease include bleeding gums, swollen gums, and even bad breath. Pregnant women who suspect that they may have gum disease should schedule an appointment in Paducah with Dr. White. Gum disease treatment may reduce health risks for the baby. Patients can visit Dr. White's website for more information or call the practice to schedule an appointment.
About the Doctor
Dr. Kelvin White of White and White Family Dentistry is a general dentist offering personalized dental care for patients with gum disease in Paducah, KY for more than 25 years. Dr. White is part of one percent of dental professionals providing the only FDA cleared laser procedure for gum disease and periodontal treatment. The practice offers a variety of dental services, including dental implants, oral surgery and extractions, laser dentistry, and periodontal care. To learn more about White and White Family Dentistry their dental services visit their website at http://www.whitesmiles.net and call (270) 366-0463.