Periodontitis, sometimes called gum disease, is a severe infection of the gums that can result in a wide range of problems, including tooth loss if left untreated for too long. Beyond the immediate impact on teeth, periodontitis has been linked to broader health concerns, including cardiovascular issues and respiratory complications.
Early detection and dedicated treatment are paramount to stopping the progression of periodontitis and preserving not only the oral health but also the overall well-being of an individual.
Symptoms of Periodontitis
In the early stages of this disease, you may only notice that your gums look puffy or swollen or they feel tender when you touch them. However, it is not uncommon for people with this disease to have dark red, purple, or bright red gums.
Another common symptom is bleeding gums. You may develop halitosis (bad breath) or experience pain when you eat, especially when chewing tough or crunchy foods. Pus may develop between your gum line and teeth. Other symptoms include shifting teeth and receding gums.
Causes of Periodontitis
Several things can cause this disease, including chronic gum inflammation and plaque. Plaque is primarily comprised of bacteria and quickly covers your teeth when you eat starches and sugar.
If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, this sticky film of bacteria hardens beneath your gum line, turning into tartar. It is important to brush and floss regularly because tartar is much harder to remove than plaque.
The only way to remove tartar is to have a dentist remove it. You should schedule an appointment with a dentist right away if you develop tartar under your gum lines because the longer it is left, the more damage the bacteria that make it up will do to your mouth.
Eventually, you can develop gingivitis, a mild gum disease. If you develop gingivitis, you must have it treated promptly before it develops into periodontitis.
What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Periodontitis?
Gingivitis is one of the most common risk factors for developing this disease, but there are many others. For example, there is a significant likelihood that you will develop this disease if you have a poor oral health care routine. You are also more likely to develop this disease if you smoke or chew tobacco, vape, smoke marijuana, or use other recreational drugs.
Hormonal imbalances can also lead to the development of periodontitis, so it is particularly important to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly and regularly if you are pregnant, going through puberty, or suspect you have almost reached menopause. Poor nutrition, such as vitamin C deficiency, also can lead to the development of this disease. Other risk factors include:
- Obesity
- Leukemia
- Cancer treatment
- RA
- Crohn’s disease
- Diabetes
What Can I Do to Mitigate the Risk of Developing This Disease?
Maintain a Good Oral Hygiene Routine
Since this disease is usually caused by the buildup of plaque, maintaining a good oral hygiene routine is one of the best things you can do to reduce the chance of developing it. You should brush your teeth for at least two minutes at least twice daily and floss your teeth at least once per day.
Ideally, you should floss your teeth before you brush them. Flossing loosens up bacteria and trapped food so you can brush more effectively. You should also consider brushing your teeth more often than twice daily, especially if you have a carb-heavy diet.
Attend Regular Dental Appointments
Seeing your dentist for a professional cleaning at least once or twice a year will also go a long way in preventing the development of severe gum disease. If you have a high risk of developing this disease, you may want to schedule quarterly professional cleanings. For example, you may benefit significantly from more frequent cleanings if you smoke or take medication that causes dry mouth.
How Is Periodontitis Diagnosed?
This disease is diagnosed by using a dental probe to measure the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gum line. If your gums are healthy, you will only have a pocket depth of one to three mm. If your pockets are over four mm deep, you may suffer from this disease. X-ray images will be taken to determine if there is any bone loss in the parts of your mouth with deep pockets.
How Is Periodontitis Treated?
There are many potential treatments for this condition, depending on its severity and other factors. If you suffer from an early stage of gum disease, we may use a technique called scaling to remove bacteria and tartar from your teeth and beneath your gum line. This disease can also be treated with oral or topical antibiotics if it is diagnosed in an early stage.
Effective Gingivitis Treatments
Gingivitis, when caught in its early stages, is not just treatable but can be entirely cured. Our dedication to providing quality dental services means that patients at Cornerstone Dental benefit from comprehensive solutions that draw from the latest in technology and techniques.
What Can I Do at Home to Manage My Condition?
If you suffer from gum disease, you should prioritize your oral hygiene routine. You should attend routine dental cleanings as often as your dentist recommends, and you should follow the dentist’s recommendation on using mouthwash. Additionally, you should consume as little tobacco as possible and consider getting an electric toothbrush.
How Should I Prepare for My Dental Appointment If I Suspect I Have Gum Disease?
If you suspect you have gum disease, the first step you should take to prepare for your dental appointment is to write down any symptoms you notice. Include symptoms in this list even if you don’t think are relevant.
The more information you provide, the more likely it is you can get a timely, accurate diagnosis. You should also write down all of the drugs and supplements you take, including the dosage, and any medical conditions you have.
It is also a good idea to write down questions to ask your dentist so you don’t forget during your appointment. For example, you should ask about the most likely cause of your symptoms and the best course of action to treat the condition causing them.
You also may want to inquire about what diagnostic tests you may benefit from and what restrictions you may benefit from adhering to.
What Should I Expect During My Appointment?
Before the depth of your pockets is measured, we will examine your mouth. Plaque and tartar buildup are good indicators that you suffer from gum disease. We will also check your gum line thoroughly.
We’ll ask you several questions, including what medications you take, what medical conditions you have been diagnosed with, and whether you consume tobacco products. Additionally, we’ll ask you about your oral hygiene routine. Moreover, we need to know when you first noticed your symptoms.
The bottom line is that periodontitis is a severe gum infection that can result in tooth loss and other health conditions if it is not treated promptly. Some of the most common symptoms include gum tenderness, swelling, and bleeding. You also may develop halitosis and find chewing painful.
Are You In Need Of Periodontitis Treatment In The Martinsburg Area?
If you are in need of periodontitis treatment you owe it to yourself to speak with an experienced dentist as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our Martinsburg, West Virginia dental office directly at 304.267.6059 to schedule your appointment. We provide a wide range of general dentistry care as well as more involved dentistry services for patients throughout the Martinsburg area and look forward to you joining the Cornerstone Dental family.
