What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly referred to as gum disease in Needham, is an
infection of the gum tissue. Gingivitis is the initial
stage of gum disease. It is a mild problem, and it causes no irreversible
damage to the gums or underlying bone. However, if it does not receive
proper care, it can progress to become
periodontitis. Periodontitis causes permanent damage to the
gums and jawbone. It is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Even
more concerning is the fact that gum disease may raise the risk of a number
of systemic health conditions, including heart attack, stroke, preterm
birth, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
The symptoms of gum disease can be subtle, especially when it is still in
its initial stages. You might have it if you experience any of the
following:
- Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss your teeth
- Noticeable redness or swelling in the gum tissue
- Tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth (due to exposed tooth roots)
- Difficulty chewing
Your dental team checks for signs of gum disease during every routine exam.
If you keep up with
preventive care, you will probably be able to catch the condition before it becomes severe
— and before it poses a real threat of tooth loss or other serious
consequences.
Treatment Options
In some cases, it is possible to reverse gingivitis with a few changes to
your at-home oral care routine. A particular type of toothpaste, as well as
adjustments to your brushing and flossing technique, might be all that is
necessary to get your gum health back on track. However, it is also possible
that you will need specialized treatment.
There are a number of different methods that can be used to address gum
disease. Some of the most common forms of periodontal therapy include:
-
Scaling and root planing. This is essentially a deep
cleaning of the mouth. We remove bacteria both above and below the
gumline. We also smooth out the roots of teeth so it is more difficult for
bacteria to cling to them. After scaling and root planing, your gums
should be able to heal and firmly reattach to your teeth.
-
Antibiotic therapy. Antibiotic therapy may be used along
with scaling and root planing to kill harmful oral bacteria.
Are you concerned about periodontal disease?
Contact our team
today to learn more about how we may be able to help you achieve and
maintain optimal oral health.
