Up to half of all adults over age 30 have some degree of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. While the problem has become increasingly common, it presents a significant oral health risk. When left unchecked, gum disease can endanger a patient’s teeth, causing pain while chewing, gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss.
Fortunately, gum disease is among the most preventable oral health issues. Positive oral hygiene habits can prevent the problem from developing and even reverse its early stages.
This blog shares a guide to periodontal disease, detailing how to prevent, detect, and treat this potentially severe oral health issue.
How Gum Disease Develops
Plaque and tartar build-up are the root causes of gum disease. Tartar is a cement-like substance formed by bacterial biofilm and food particles. It collects along the gum line, creating deep pockets between the teeth and gums where an infection grows.
Gum disease occurs when tartar releases bacterial toxins that attack the healthy hard and soft tissues that support the teeth. The gums become inflamed and infected and eventually recede, exposing the roots and loosening the teeth. In its final stages, gum disease causes extensive tooth loss.
Preventing Gum Disease
Patients who worry about developing gum disease should know that they have the tools to protect their teeth. Conscientious at-home oral care and regular professional cleanings are two of the best ways to prevent gum disease. Since only a professional can remove tartar, visiting the dentist at regular intervals is a must to protect your oral health.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gingivitis
The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which is marked by red, swollen, bleeding gums. Gingivitis is common among patients of all ages. However, patients who have gingivitis can completely reverse the course of the disease if they pay close attention to their oral health and brush and floss as recommended.
Moderate Periodontal Disease
Once gum disease progresses past gingivitis, it is no longer reversible but can be controlled with professional care and excellent home hygiene. Symptoms of moderate periodontal disease include receding gums, loose teeth, bad breath, tooth sensitivity, and pockets between the tooth and gum where tartar collects.
Advanced Periodontal Disease
Advanced periodontal disease worsens symptoms from the previous stage by adding pain when chewing, pus along the gum line, and the potential for lost teeth.
Gum Disease Treatments
Gingivitis Treatments
Brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and optionally using an antibacterial mouthwash can help reverse gingivitis. Ensure that you receive professional cleanings as recommended.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are generally considered the frontline treatments for moderate periodontal disease. During a scaling and root planing procedure, the dentist or hygienist skillfully removes all traces of tartar from the tooth surface above and below the gum line using an instrument called a scaler. After scaling, they smooth the root surfaces to promote healthy gum attachment. This process helps to shrink the periodontal pockets and restore gum health.
Antibiotic Treatment
Dentists may place antibiotics in and around the periodontal pockets to clear lingering infections.
Periodontal Surgery
Also known as flap surgery, this procedure involves making an incision in the gum and accessing the bone underneath. The dentist can then clean the area, remove any diseased tissue, and repair damaged bone.
Gum Grafting
Some patients may require gum graft surgery, where strips of soft tissue are removed from other mouth areas and applied to the gum line to protect the roots.
Periodontal Splints
If teeth loosen, dentists can splint them into place in hopes that they will replant themselves more firmly in the bone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Disease
How can I improve my oral hygiene to prevent gum disease?
Flossing regularly is a vital step. It removes plaque and food from the gum line, preventing them from hardening into hazardous tartar. Combined with conscientious brushing, flossing can help preserve your teeth for a lifetime.
Why is periodontal disease so common?
Many patients believe their oral healthcare habits are sufficient to prevent gum disease, but they may skimp on brushing time or skip flossing entirely. Plaque and tartar also build up when patients miss dental cleanings, causing periodontal problems.
Call Chagrin Falls Dental
Periodontal disease is a worrying diagnosis, but it does not have to result in tooth loss. We can help you preserve your teeth as long as possible using multiple treatment options. Please call our Chagrin Falls, OH, office at 440-247-8641 to learn more and schedule your appointment today.