Periodontal Disease
Gum disease and treatments for a great smile.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal Disease Causes and Treatment
Periodontal disease – is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a common dental problem that can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Here, we’ll explore the causes and treatment options for periodontal disease and provide you with tips on how to prevent it from happening in the first place. Today, we will review the causes and treatments of periodontal disease!
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. It’s caused by bacteria in plaque – a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums every day. When plaque isn’t removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar which can only be removed by a dental professional.
Gum disease starts with gingivitis – the mildest form of periodontal disease. At this stage, the gums become red, swollen and bleed easily when you brush or floss. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis – a more severe form of gum disease where pockets develop between the teeth and gums allowing bacteria to grow.
As periodontitis advances, it can cause damage to the bone that supports your teeth leading to tooth loss if not treated promptly. While anyone can develop gum disease at any age, certain factors increase your risk such as poor oral hygiene habits, smoking or tobacco use, genetic predisposition and other health conditions like diabetes.
In summary, periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects the tissues around your teeth causing inflammation. Without proper treatment from a dental professional early on in its development stages (gingivitis) it can lead to serious complications including tooth loss later down the line (periodontitis).
Causes of periodontal disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a common oral health issue that affects many people. It occurs when the tissues and bones that support your teeth become inflamed or infected due to the bacteria in plaque accumulation. But what exactly causes this condition?
One significant cause of periodontal disease is poor oral hygiene habits. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque can build up on your teeth and gums, causing inflammation and eventually leading to gum disease.
Another contributing factor is smoking or using other tobacco products. Smoking weakens your body’s immune system, making it harder for your gums to fight off infection.
Certain medical conditions such as diabetes can also increase the risk of developing periodontal disease since they affect how well blood flows through the gums.
Moreover, genetics may play a role in developing gum diseases. If someone in your family has had periodontitis before then you could be at an increased risk of getting it too.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause may make women more susceptible to gingivitis – an early stage of periodontal disease.
Understanding what causes periodontal disease can help you take preventive measures like maintaining good oral hygiene practices and avoiding smoking or tobacco use.
Treatment of periodontal disease
If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease, the good news is that there are treatment options available to help manage and even reverse the condition. Treatment typically involves a combination of professional dental care and diligent at-home oral hygiene.
One common form of treatment for periodontal disease is scaling and root planing. This involves removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums, as well as smoothing out any rough spots on the tooth roots to prevent bacteria buildup.
In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed in conjunction with scaling and root planing to control bacterial infections within the gum tissue. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged bone or soft tissue.
It’s important to note that while these treatments can effectively manage periodontal disease, they cannot cure it completely. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home – such as brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, using mouthwash and visiting your dentist regularly – is crucial for preventing a recurrence of symptoms.
Remember: early detection is key when it comes to treating periodontal disease. If you suspect you may have gum disease or notice any unusual changes in your oral health, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your Memorial Family Dental in Houston right away!
Prevention of periodontal disease
Prevention is always better than cure. This phrase applies to periodontal disease as well. The good news is that periodontal disease can be prevented by following some simple steps.
First, maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine is crucial. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily helps remove plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums, preventing the accumulation of harmful substances that cause gum inflammation.
Secondly, quit smoking or using tobacco products if you haven’t already done so. Tobacco use increases the risk of developing gum disease, making it harder for your body to fight off infections.
Thirdly, eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients such as calcium and vitamin C which help prevent gum diseases by strengthening tissues around teeth and gums.
Finally, see your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings even if you don’t have any symptoms or problems with your teeth or gums. Regular dental visits ensure early detection of signs of periodontal disease before they become severe.
Take care of underlying health conditions like diabetes that increase the risk of developing gum disease.
By following these preventive measures consistently over time will keep your mouth healthy and free from periodontal diseases!