Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissues and the jawbone supporting the teeth. It is a prevalent oral condition that does not heal on its own without professional intervention. The condition, which starts as minor inflammation of the gums, can cause loose teeth and eventual tooth loss if left untreated.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The infection is usually painless and progresses so gradually that the patient may not even know that they have the condition. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a bacterial film that forms on the teeth. These bacteria thrive on the food particles in the mouth, creating toxic materials that eventually damage the teeth, the gums and the bones around the teeth.
In the initial stage of periodontal disease (gingivitis), the gums may be inflamed and bleed. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can be treated with a deep dental cleaning and a daily oral hygiene routine. When gum disease reaches its advanced stages, the infection spreads through the gum tissues to the bone, causing damages. Without treatment, tooth loss will occur.
When the following signs occur, gum disease is usually present and needs to be treated immediately:
Although bacterial plaque is the main cause of periodontal disease, certain risk factors can compromise gum health and make it vulnerable to infection. Such factors include stress, smoking, poor nutrition, certain drugs, diabetes, hormonal factors, genetic factors and teeth grinding or clenching. The dentist may recommend more frequent checkups for patients with these risk factors.
If the gum disease has damaged the gum and bone tissues around the teeth, ordinary cleaning will not be adequate to stop the infection in its tracks. The dentist will perform periodontal scaling, which is a more thorough and intensive cleaning process than regular cleaning. The dentist will use special dental tools to remove the plaque and tartar responsible for the infection below the gum. Also, root planing will be done to smooth root surfaces to promote gum healing and allow it to reattach to the tooth.
If the deep pockets of infection remain after scaling and root planing, corrective gum surgery or regenerative procedures may be required. The treatment aims to repair the damages by reshaping the gums or promoting the regeneration of new healthy bones and gums.
It is possible to prevent gum disease and infection through proper oral hygiene and regular checkups with the dentist. Being proactive with preventive care can help improve dental health and ultimately, overall wellbeing. After treatment, good oral care is important to prevent the reoccurrence of infection.
Periodontal disease can have devastating consequences if left untreated. Patients need to watch out for signs of the disease and take their appointments with the dentist seriously. These routine checkups allow the dentist to examine the gums and provide treatment if there is an infection.
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