Blogging Heros
Did you know that almost half of all adults aged over 30 years show signs of gum disease? Although this is common, it can lead to severe gum disease which only 9% of adults have.
If you avoid getting treated for periodontal disease, you could be left with irreversible damage. Keep reading to learn more about periodontal treatment and five things you should know about it.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, more commonly referred to as gum disease, is the inflammation and infection of the tissue around the teeth. Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease that causes the gums to become red and swollen.
The disease can subside if the problem is addressed and treated fast. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. This is the more serious form of gum disease that can lead to infection and tooth loss.
1. Periodontal Disease = Gum Disease
The first thing you should know about periodontal disease is that it is the same as gum disease. When the oral gum tissues become irritated and infected by bacteria, the mild stage begins.
Going to regular dental exams can save you from developing an advanced disease later on. You should regularly visit the dentist twice per year.
Severe gum disease can lead to tooth loss and damage bones leading to bone loss.
2. Gum Disease Has Different Stages
As briefly discussed above, the significant phases of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a mild infection easier to treat when spotted before moving on to the next stage.
Gingivitis often comes with these symptoms:
- Bleeding gums
- Constant bad breath
- Change in gum color
- Toothache
- Moving teeth
- Pus between the gums and teeth
- Mouth sores
Periodontitis is the stage you don’t want to get to. This is when the gums start to separate from the teeth which open deep pockets in your gums.
Once the bacteria reaches beyond the gumlines, the disease will begin to affect other teeth, dental structures, and tissues. In very severe cases, the bacterial infection can spread to other areas in your body.
You might also deal with these symptoms:
- Receding gums
- Abscess between your teeth
- Difficulty performing dental functions (eating)
- Changes in teeth alignment
If you notice any unusual symptoms, it’s best to opt for emergency services at your nearest dental office rather than waiting for your next appointment.
3. Different Treatment Options
There are different periodontal treatments based on the severity of your oral health issues.
You can opt for surgical or non-surgical periodontal disease treatment. A dentist will recommend the option that is more effective for your situation.
Non-surgical periodontal treatment allows patients to undergo dental scaling or rooting. Scaling and rooting are often performed together so it’s not uncommon to get both.
Rooting is the process of smoothening out your tooth’s surface to prevent bacteria from building up in the future. Scaling gets rid of the bacteria in the teeth, around the teeth, and below the gum line.
People with advanced infections can benefit most from undergoing pocket reduction or flap surgery. Both procedures can help ensure you get your dental health back on track.
4. Periodontitis Damages Are Not Easily Reversible
Periodontal disease treatments can stop bacteria from attacking your teeth, but the damages caused by severe diseases aren’t easily reversible.
Mild gum infections are easy to treat and recover from, but advanced problems cause serious gum injuries that are, in most cases, irreversible.
There are dental restorative treatments that can attempt to repair some of the damage. For example, if you lost a tooth due to gum disease, you can get a dental implant.
Dental implants are also solutions for those that have lost multiple teeth to gum disease, in addition to dentures.
5. You Can Prevent Periodontitis
The most important thing you should know about periodontitis is that you can prevent it! Follow good oral hygiene practices like brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once per day.
Flossing is an essential part of your oral health routine because it can get rid of food particles in places that toothbrushes cannot reach.
Make sure you brush your teeth thoroughly and gently. Abrasive toothbrushes can cause more harm to your gums. If you notice gum bleeding but don’t have gum disease, you could be brushing too hard.
The types of foods you consume also impact whether or not you are harming your gums or strengthening them. Reduce your intake of sugary beverages and foods to take care of your oral health.
Gum disease is relatively common and these factors might increase your risk of periodontal disease:
- Smoking cigarettes or using tobacco products
- Family history of gum disease
- Medications that impact oral health
- Chronic stress
- Teeth grinding
- Chronic illnesses (heart disease, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis)
- Not getting enough nutrients in your diet
Following good oral hygiene practices can help you prevent gum disease while saving you from other common dental diseases.
Do You Need Periodontal Treatment?
After understanding more about periodontal disease, you can be aware of the common symptoms experienced.
If you have gingivitis, it’s important to treat this mild stage as quickly and effectively as possible. Doing so can prevent severe periodontitis.
It’s best to opt for emergency treatment if you think you have severe gum disease because the damages are irreversible in most cases.
Take what you’ve learned about this disease to decide if you need periodontal treatment. Don’t forget to come back for more articles like this on our website.
