What are Periodontal Disease: Causes, Signs & Treatment Options
What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Periodontal disease affects the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth, and tartar buildup is the primary cause. It causes gum inflammation, gum recession, and eventual damage to the bone supporting the teeth. Common symptoms include red, swollen gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, and tooth sensitivity. Early detection and getting periodontal treatment are crucial to prevent further complications such as tooth loss, and treatment options range from professional cleanings and improved oral hygiene practices to more advanced procedures like gum grafting or periodontal surgery.
What are The Major Causes of Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease can be caused by several factors that can, including:
- Plaque Accumulation: The primary cause of periodontal disease is the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque to accumulate and harden into tartar, leading to gum inflammation.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Insufficient or improper oral hygiene practices, such as irregular brushing, infrequent flossing, or inadequate cleaning techniques, contribute to the development of gum disease.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes or using tobacco products increases the risk of periodontal disease. Tobacco use weakens the immune system, hampers blood flow to the gums, and interferes with healing.
- Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals have a genetic susceptibility to gum disease. Genetic factors can influence the body’s immune response and make certain individuals more prone to periodontal disease.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can make gums more sensitive to gum disease.
- Systemic Diseases and Conditions: Certain systemic conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders, can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease. These conditions weaken the immune system and impair gum health.
- Poor Nutrition: A diet lacking vital nutrients, especially vitamin C and calcium, can weaken the immune system and impair gum health, making it easier for gum disease to develop.
What are The Common Symptoms/Signs of Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease symptoms can include:
- Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums: Inflamed gums are a common sign of periodontal disease. Healthy gums should appear pink and firm.
- Bleeding Gums: Gums that bleed easily, especially during brushing or flossing, can indicate the presence of gum disease.
- Receding Gums: As periodontal disease progresses, the gums may start to recede or pull away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth’s root.
- Persistent Bad Breath (Halitosis): Bacteria in the mouth release foul-smelling gases, leading to chronic bad breath that may not improve with regular oral hygiene practices.
- Loose or Shifting Teeth: As the supporting structures of the teeth are damaged by gum disease, teeth may become loose or shift in position.
- Changes in Bite or Jaw Alignment: Advanced periodontal disease can affect teeth alignment, leading to changes in the bite or how the upper and lower teeth fit together.
- Gum Abscesses: Painful, swollen areas filled with pus can develop on the gums or between teeth, indicating an advanced stage of periodontal disease.
What are The Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease?
Our dentist in Carrollwood, FL, can recommend the following periodontal disease treatment options based on the severity of the condition:
- Scaling and Root Planing: This non-surgical procedure removes plaque from the teeth and root surfaces. The dentist or dental hygienist uses special tools to scrape away the buildup and smoothen the root surfaces.
- Antibiotics: Our dentist near you may prescribe antibiotics to help control bacterial infection and reduce inflammation.
- Professional Dental Cleanings: Regular professional cleanings are essential for managing periodontal disease. Dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, preventing further progression of the disease.
- Periodontal Maintenance: After undergoing gum disease treatment, patients with periodontal disease require regular maintenance visits. These visits involve deep cleaning of the gums and monitoring the gum health to prevent the recurrence or progression of the disease.
- Surgical Interventions: In advanced cases of periodontal disease, surgical procedures may be necessary. These include flap surgery/pocket reduction surgery, bone grafting, or gum grafting.
- Laser Therapy: Infected gum tissue is selectively removed while leaving healthy tissue intact. Laser therapy can reduce inflammation and promote gum tissue regeneration.
- Lifestyle Changes and Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, along with lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, managing stress, and adopting a balanced diet, are crucial in preventing its progression.
Looking to Get Gum Disease Treatment Near Carrollwood, FL?
Understanding periodontal disease is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health. Regular dental check-ups and early intervention are key to identifying the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, including red and swollen gums, bleeding, receding gums, and persistent bad breath.
Are you looking to get periodontal treatment at 33618? Contact Bay Premier Dentistry for more information about getting periodontal disease treatment in Tampa, FL and how to prevent it.