What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a medical condition that attacks the area around the tooth – the gums and bones that support each of your teeth. When plaque is not removed through brushing, flossing, or cleaning, it becomes calculus. This then damages and destroys the gums and bones, leading to bleeding, swollen, red gums.
Periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in the US. Because the condition is painless in its early stages, it’s common for the disease to progress without you even knowing about it. Smoking can increase the risk of periodontal disease, while oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular checkups can help prevent this painful condition.
The Signs and Symptoms
If you’re unsure whether you have periodontal disease, here are some of the signs and symptoms to watch out for
- Bleeding Gums
- Loose Teeth
- New Spacing Between Teeth
- Persistent Bad Breath
- Pus Around the Teeth and Gums
- Receding Gums
- Red and Puffy Gums
- Tenderness or Discomfort
Periodontal therapy
The exact course of treatment for periodontal disease will depend on how early your symptoms are caught and how severe your particular case is. If our dental experts can identify the beginnings of this disease early, regular cleanings can help restore the health of your gums. In advanced cases, a scaling and root planing treatment may be recommended to effectively remove plaque, calculus, and toxins. In some cases, periodontal surgery may be necessary through a referred specialist.
Periodontal Cleanings
Good oral hygiene at home is half the challenge in keeping periodontal disease at bay. But in some cases, additional care and professional cleaning may be required to ensure your teeth and gums are in the best possible conditions. Regular maintenance cleanings four times a year can help keep your gums periodontal disease-free.
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