Are you experiencing swollen or bleeding gums? Do you have bad breath that just won’t go away no matter how much you brush your teeth? If so, it’s possible that you’re suffering from periodontal disease, a common yet serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Today, we’ll explore the symptoms, causes and treatment options for periodontal disease to help you better understand this oral health issue and take steps towards preventing it. So let’s dive in!
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It’s typically caused by poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth. This can lead to inflammation of your gums (gingivitis) and eventually to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a serious infection that can damage the bones and connective tissue that support your teeth. If it’s not treated, it can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Symptoms of periodontal disease include bleeding gums, bad breath, and loose teeth. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see the professionals at Molis Dental as soon as possible. They can diagnose the problem and develop a treatment plan to help improve your oral health.
There are a few things you can do to help prevent periodontal disease:
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a serious infection of the gums and bones that support the teeth. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and can also lead to other health problems. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can irritate the gums and eventually lead to gum disease.
Symptoms of periodontal disease include red, swollen, or bleeding gums; bad breath; loose teeth; and changes in the fit of partial dentures. If you have any of these symptoms, contact Molis Dental right away.
Periodontal disease is treated with a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove the tartar from above and below the gum line. This procedure may be done by a dentist or hygienist. In some cases, surgery may be needed to treat periodontal disease.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone that support your teeth. Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. The main cause of periodontal disease is plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). Other causes of periodontal disease include:
- Tobacco use
- Poor oral hygiene
- Certain medications
- Crooked teeth
- Fillings that have become loose
- Pregnancy and menopause
- Diabetes
Different Types of Periodontal Disease
There are four different types of periodontal disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, aggressive periodontitis, and chronic periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It usually only affects the gums, and can often be reversed with good oral hygiene. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious forms of periodontal disease.
Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease that affects not just the gums, but also the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth. If left untreated, it can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Aggressive periodontitis is a rare but severe form of periodontal disease that progresses quickly and can often lead to tooth loss in young adults.
Chronic periodontitis is the most common form of periodontal disease. It usually progresses slowly and can be controlled with proper dental care. However, if left untreated, it can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Diagnosing and Treating Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a serious infection of the gums and bones that support the teeth. It is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems.
There are two types of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder form of the disease and can often be reversed with good oral hygiene. Periodontitis is more severe and can destroy the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth. Periodontitis is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Gum recession
- Bone loss
- Tooth loss
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
If you have any of these symptoms, contact Dr Ryan Molis at Molis Dental in Burr Ridge, Illinois right away. They will examine your mouth and take X-rays to check for bone loss. The earlier periodontal disease is detected, the easier it is to treat.
Treatment options for periodontal disease include:
Scaling and root planing: This is a deep cleaning procedure that removes tartar from above and below the gum line. Scaling helps to remove plaque and bacteria, while root planing smooths any rough spots on the roots so that the gums can reattach to the tooth.
Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss and other health problems. There are two main types of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and can often be reversed with good oral hygiene. Periodontitis is the more advanced stage of gum disease and requires treatment by a dentist or periodontist.
There are a number of different treatment options available for periodontal disease, depending on the severity of the condition. The most common treatments are scaling and root planing, which involves removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums; however, more severe cases may require surgery. In addition to traditional treatments, there are also a number of natural remedies that can be effective in treating gum disease. These include oil pulling, using essential oils, and consuming bone broth.
Prevention and Care Tips for Good Oral Health
Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent periodontal disease. Here are some tips for keeping your gums and teeth healthy:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss daily.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash daily.
- Visit Molis Dental regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.
If you already have periodontal disease, there are things you can do to manage it and keep it from getting worse. These include:
- Quit smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for periodontal disease. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your oral health.
- Brush and floss regularly. Good oral hygiene is essential for keeping periodontal disease under control. Be sure to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash daily. This can help reduce plaque and bacteria in the mouth, which can help keep periodontal disease from getting worse.
Conclusion
Periodontal disease is a serious condition that can have long-term effects on your oral health. It’s important to understand the symptoms, causes, and treatment options available in order to address it promptly and effectively. With proper diagnosis and treatment, periodontal disease can be managed successfully. If you think you may have periodontal disease or are at risk for developing it, contact Dr Ryan Molis at Molis Dental so they can help create a plan to maintain healthy gums and teeth.
Contact Molis Dental Today
If you’re looking for a new dental care provider, look no further than Molis Dental! We provide comprehensive dental care services to patients of all ages, and we accept most major insurance plans. To schedule an appointment, simply give us a call or fill out our online form. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and help you get started on your journey to optimal oral health!
