Periodontal disease is one of the most common oral health conditions—yet it is so often misunderstood. Also known as gum disease, it affects the soft gum tissue that supports your teeth. If left untreated, your oral health can face some serious consequences.
In order to prevent the condition, you first have to understand it. So, let’s dive in.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is, essentially, gum disease. It is a chronic condition that is caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque. When you do not properly remove the plaque through brushing, flossing, and professional routine cleanings, it hardens into tartar and builds up along the gum line. Eventually, it will start filling pockets inside the gums. All of this buildup causes irritation that leads to inflammation and infection.
There are different stages of periodontal disease. Gingivitis is the earliest stage and, if caught early, the damage it causes can be reversed. However, if left untreated, gingivitis evolves into periodontitis, spreading deeper and damaging everything in its path. Once it reaches this stage, it cannot be reversed. But with the right professional care, it can be stopped from progressing.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
How do you know if you have any stage of periodontal disease? This can be tough since it normally advances silently. In the earliest stages, you may not even know you are dealing with it, especially if you do not visit the dentist regularly. Keep in mind that your dentist would be able to point out the condition and take action to try to correct it.
A few warning signs you can keep an eye out for include: persistent bad breath, tender or bleeding gums, gum recession, teeth that appear longer, or changes in your bite alignment.
As periodontal disease advances, pockets can form between the teeth and gums and at the gumline, where bacteria can flourish. The long-term result? Loose teeth and, in turn, tooth loss.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
Perhaps the most common cause of periodontal disease is poor oral hygiene. It does not matter how well you brush and floss at home; there are areas that you miss that can build up and wreak havoc on your gums. This is why routine dental appointments are so crucial.
Other factors include genetics, smoking, tobacco use, and medical conditions like diabetes. Researchers have found that hormonal changes, stress, and certain medications that reduce saliva flow can also contribute to gum disease.
Because there are so many potential contributing factors, it is highly recommended that you work with your dentist on prevention and personalized treatment.
Why Gum Health Matters
It is easy to think that periodontal disease only impacts your gums. But, it is so much more dangerous than that. It can actually impact your overall health.
Research shows that there is a link between periodontal disease and conditions like heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory issues. By keeping your gums healthy, you are able to improve your overall well-being, too.
Healthy gums provide a strong foundation for your teeth and support long-term oral function. Of course, they also help to preserve your smile, too. Addressing periodontal disease early on will reduce the need for the most invasive, costly treatments in the future.
How Periodontal Disease is Treated
Treatment for gum disease depends greatly on its severity. For example, in the early stages of gingivitis, professional dental cleanings along with excellent oral hygiene habits can be enough. For more advanced cases, deeper cleanings known as scaling and root planing may be necessary to remove bacteria that have built up below the gum line. While this will not reverse the damage that has been done, it will promote healing and stop the progression — as long as you step up your care at home.
Ongoing periodontal maintenance and regular dental visits are always recommended to keep the disease under control.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I be checked for gum disease?
You should be visiting the dentist every 6 months for a routine cleaning and exam. Your gums should be assessed at this visit. If you have a history of periodontal disease, you may require more frequent visits.
Can periodontal disease be cured?
Advanced periodontal disease cannot be cured, but it can be successfully managed with professional treatment and consistent care. Early intervention yields the greatest results.
At North Boulder Dental, we strive to help our patients maintain healthy gums and confident smiles for life. We even provide professional treatment for periodontal disease so that you may protect your teeth and overall health for years to come. Schedule an appointment today.