Welcome to Apple Grove Dental! Our caring team of dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, and patient coordinators provides quality periodontal gum disease treatments in Colorado Springs, CO. Our practice is committed to providing the highest quality of care and service to our patients. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call us or fill out our contact form today to schedule an appointment (719) 259-1592
Understanding Periodontal Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a common but serious condition that affects the gums and bone supporting your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other health problems.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease caused by bacteria in dental plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth when sugars and starches in food interact with bacteria in your mouth. Poor oral hygiene and inability to remove plaque leads to irritation, redness, and swelling (inflammation) of your gingiva, the part of your gum around the base of your teeth. If gingivitis is not treated, it will progress into periodontal disease.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that results from the progression of gingivitis. If plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into calculus, also known as tartar, which can only be removed by a deep cleaning from a dentist or dental hygienist.
If periodontal disease is not managed, it leads to gum recession, periodontal abscesses, bone loss, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss.
If you experience any of the following warning signs, call us today for an examination:
- gums that bleed easily
- red, swollen, tender gums
- gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- persistent bad breath or bad taste
- permanent teeth that are loose or separating
- any change in the way that your teeth fit together when you bite
- any change in the fit of partial dentures
To treat gum disease, the dentist or hygienist uses special instruments to conduct a deep cleaning which removes the plaque and tartar that has built up beneath the gum line. The dentist or hygienist then treats the root surfaces of the tooth to help the gum tissue heal and discourage the accumulation of plaque along the root surfaces. This treatment is repeated regularly until the gum tissue is healthy again. Sometimes an oral antibiotic or antimicrobial mouth rinse is prescribed to aid in healing.
Gum disease is usually painless, and you may not know that you have it. Therefore, it is important to have regular dental check-ups and periodontal exams with your dentist every 6 months to monitor the health of your gums and your teeth. Early detection and gum disease treatment can help you preserve your natural smile. Call Apple Grove Dental at (719) 259-1592 or fill out our contact form today to schedule your dental check-up!
Key Takeaways
Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis: Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.
Causes: The primary cause of periodontal disease is poor oral hygiene. Other factors that can increase your risk of developing gum disease include smoking, hormonal changes, certain medications, and genetic predisposition.
Symptoms: Symptoms of periodontal disease include red, swollen gums, bleeding gums, bad breath, receding gums, and loose teeth. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your dentist for an evaluation.
Treatment: Treatment for periodontal disease depends on the severity of the condition. In the early stages, non-surgical treatments such as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) may be sufficient. In more advanced cases, surgery may be necessary to restore gum health.
Prevention: The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
FAQ
Can periodontal disease be reversed?
In the early stages, gingivitis can be reversed with proper oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings. However, once periodontitis reaches later stages, effects such as bone loss and gingival recession cannot be reversed. The effects can be stopped and managed once the active disease is managed through proper care.
Is periodontal disease contagious?
While the bacteria that cause periodontal disease can be passed from person to person through saliva, not everyone who is exposed to these bacteria will develop gum disease.
Can periodontal disease affect my overall health?
Yes, research has shown that periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of other health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory diseases.
How often should I see my dentist for a check-up?
It is recommended to see your dentist for a check-up and cleaning every six months. However, if you have gum disease or other dental issues, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits.
Periodontal disease is a common but preventable condition. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for gum disease, you can take steps to protect your oral health and overall well-being. Call us or fill out our contact form today to schedule an appointment (719) 259-1592
