Periodontal diseases are gum diseases that are very common among adults in the United States. Periodontal diseases are the result of dental tartar and plaque building up and infecting the gum line, bone, and connective tissue. Periodontal diseases are a serious illness that needs to be treated by a periodontist right away. Here is everything you need to know about these illnesses so that you can keep your mouth healthy and free of this common infection.
What Causes Periodontal Diseases
Periodontal disease has a variety of causes. The most common is having poor dental hygiene because the tartar is not being properly removed and builds up on the teeth. There are other things that create the risk factor for developing periodontal disease. People who are smokers, have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, and women facing hormonal changes, all are at a higher risk for periodontal disease. Poor diet, stress, and genetics can also contribute to an increased chance of getting periodontal disease.
Signs And Symptoms Of Periodontal Disease
There are several signs and symptoms of periodontal disease including:
- Red, swollen, or sensitive gums
- Sores in your mouth
- Persistent bad breath
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Bleeding from brushing, flossing, or eating
- Receding gums
- Loose or separating teeth
- Changing bite
- Pus between your gums and teeth
If you have any of these signs, you need to speak with a periodontist immediately to get a proper diagnosis and put together a treatment plan.
Treatment Options For Periodontal Disease
If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease, your periodontist will recommend a treatment plan based on the severity of the disease. The most common treatment is scaling and root planning. Scaling and root planning is a deep cleaning of the teeth below the root line to remove all the tartar that has built up. They may also recommend a pocket reduction procedure to help fill the deep pocket area so the bacteria does not enter. In severe cases, you may have to get a gum graft of a regenerative procedure like a bone graft.
Periodontal diseases are very serious and need to be treated before they do serious damage to your gums and bones. If you show any of the symptoms, you need to see a periodontist right away. At Shine Dental Group we offer the full range of periodontal treatments and can help put together a treatment plan that not only treats the current infection but helps you keep it away for good.
