Have you ever had sore or bleeding gums? Infection and inflammation of the gums, ligaments, and bones that surround your teeth create periodontal disease. You’re not alone if you’ve ever had irritated or bleeding gums. However, this does not imply that bleeding gums are normal or should be disregarded. Periodontal disease, if left untreated, can lead to major oral health issues. Understanding the causes of periodontal disease, what conditions or habits put you at risk, and how to prevent gum disease is a great first step toward having healthy and happy gums.
What is periodontitis?
Let us begin with an overview of periodontal disease. Periodontitis is a dangerous gum infection. Bacteria that have accumulated on your teeth and gums are to blame. Periodontitis, when it progresses, can cause bone and teeth damage. However, if periodontitis is treated early and proper dental hygiene practices are followed, the damage can be reversed.
What are the causes of Periodontal disease?
Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, combined with mucus and other particles, produce a sticky, colorless plaque on teeth all the time. Brushing and flossing aid in the removal of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and produce tartar, which brushing will not remove. Tartar may only be eliminated by a dentist or dental hygienist during a professional cleaning.
There are several risk factors for gum disease, the most prominent of which is smoking. Smoking can also make gum disease therapy less effective. Diabetes, hormonal changes in girls and women, diabetes, drugs that reduce saliva flow, certain illnesses, such as AIDS, and accompanying medications, and hereditary vulnerability are all risk factors.
What are the symptoms of periodontitis?
The symptoms vary depending on the stage of the disease, however, they commonly include:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth
- Bad breath
- Change in your teeth’s position or loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Gums that are red, sensitive, or swollen
- Plaque or tartar buildup on your teeth
- Chewing discomfort
- Tooth loss
- Foul taste in your mouth
- The inflammatory response throughout your body
Treatment of Periodontal Disease
Find out more about periodontal or gum disease treatment. If you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, your treatment options will depend on the severity of your condition. Among these treatments are:
Root planing and scaling
Non-surgical treatments for gingivitis or the early stages of gum disease may be available to restore periodontal health. Scaling is a thorough cleaning process that eliminates plaque and tartar from your teeth both above and below the gumline. Root planing removes plaque and tartar from root surfaces, as well as rough regions that trap and retain bacteria. The gum tissue might begin to mend after the gums have been cleansed.
Gum surgery for periodontitis
If the periodontal pockets around your teeth get so deep that they are impossible to clean with normal at-home dental hygiene and a professional care routine, a pocket reduction operation may be a possibility. During this operation, the periodontist makes incisions in your gums to flap back the tissue, allowing wider access to the roots for more efficient scaling and root planing below the gum line and cleaning out the bacterial infection. This will allow the gum tissue to be reattached to the bone.
Gum graft surgery
If the periodontal disease worsens and the gums recede, the periodontist may prescribe surgery to restructure the gums or graft new tissue to cover exposed tooth roots. The periodontist uses gum tissue usually from the roof of your mouth to cover the root and protect your tooth from decay, bone loss, and more recession during this surgery.
We hope this blog has benefited you to know more about periodontal disease. Are you looking for the best periodontal treatment in Houston, TX? Contact Smiles Of Memorial to receive personalized dental care.