Periodontal treatment sounds like a complicated procedure, but it really is only a treatment for diseased or unhealthy gum tissue. People tend to focus on teeth when talking about oral health, but gums are just as valuable. They support our teeth and provide nourishment to our teeth roots. The common disease affecting the gums is called periodontitis. When your gums are infected or diseased, they need periodontal treatment. As part of our general dental care options at Creative Dentistry & Medspa, we offer treatment for gum disease at our office in Sandy Springs, GA.
Symptoms and Causes of Periodontal Disease
The first stage of gum disease is a simple inflammation known as gingivitis. You can tell your gums are inflamed if they’re too red or they bleed when you brush and floss your teeth. You may also experience bad breath or gum tenderness. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease.
In the earliest stages of periodontal disease, the gums start to pull away from the teeth, and small gaps form. These gaps are terrible for oral health. Pockets in the gum tissue around the teeth is something we hate to see here at Creative Dentistry & Medspa. Bacteria can live in them and replicate, leading to a worse infection.
Moderate periodontitis is characterized by weakness of the jawbones. Patients start to notice their teeth becoming loose. Eventually, the teeth will likely be lost if the condition progresses to severe periodontitis.
Treatment for gum disease depends on the stage and extent of infection. Early stages can be treated with increased dental cleanings and medications to fight infection. More severe cases may require deep cleanings or scaling and root planing, with the possibility of oral surgery to remove diseased gum tissue.
Risk Factors for Periodontitis
Poor dental hygiene is the biggest risk factor for the development of periodontitis. Brushing and flossing regularly keep your teeth clean and prevent the buildup of bacteria, plaque and tartar. Without bacteria, there won’t be toxins, and without tartar, there is less gum tissue irritation. When teeth are kept clean of bacteria and tartar, there will not be inflammation.
Smoking and diabetes are two other important risk factors that increase a person’s likelihood of getting periodontitis. Diabetes weakens our immune system, and so does smoking. Certain drugs that cause dry mouth and vitamin deficiencies also predispose people to periodontitis.
Naturally, the most important step in the prevention of the condition is taking good care of your oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day, and floss at least once. You should also visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and dental cleaning. The best way to fight periodontitis is to stop it from happening with preventive dental care.
Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and is linked to higher risks for serious health conditions. If you have symptoms of gingivitis or gum disease, contact us at Creative Dentistry & Medspa to schedule an appointment for a checkup. Call our office in Sandy Springs to schedule your visit for a periodontal exam and possible treatment.