Have you noticed the signs of periodontal disease? Now’s the time to get ahead of complications and seek professional treatment. Contact Galvez Dental today.
We all know it’s important to get our teeth cleaned regularly, but most of us aren’t thinking about the health of our gums on a day-to-day basis. Unfortunately, the prevalence of gum disease (periodontitis) continues to be a significant public health problem in the United States.
It’s estimated that roughly
2 in every 5 adults is affected by periodontal disease – and many don’t even know it. The condition often starts without serious symptoms or noticeable pain, which makes it relatively difficult to catch in its early stages.
However, treatment is still critical to prevent further health problems. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of periodontal care, the usual treatment options, and why adequate
dental care is so crucial for healthy gums.
About Periodontal Disease
Commonly referred to as “gum disease,” periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue around the teeth. As you eat, drink, and talk, bacteria settle on your teeth and gums. This eventually turns into a plaque film covering the surface of your teeth.
If this plaque is not removed through regular cleaning, it can harden, turn into tartar and calculus, and eventually result in periodontal disease. Typically, this is preventable through adequate oral hygiene, but is also best avoided through bi-annual dental checkups.
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
- Bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Red or puffy gums
- Tenderness or discomfort
- Pus around teeth or gums
- Receding gums
- Suddenly loose teeth
- Painful chewing
How Periodontal Disease Is Diagnosed
Periodontal disease is most commonly diagnosed at regular dental checkups – another reason to go see your dentist at least twice per year. However, you may notice symptoms in between your visits.
If this happens, schedule an
urgent dental checkup as soon as possible. The sooner a dentist is able to diagnose and start treating periodontitis, the higher your chances are of reversing any existing damage.
Upon inspection, your dentist will determine how far along the disease has progressed and what steps to take next. They’ll do this by taking X-rays, performing bleeding assessments, and surveying gum inflammation.
The dentist will also measure the pocket depth of the groove between the gums and teeth using a dental probe. A healthy gum pocket should be
between 1 and 3 millimeters deep. If a pocket depth is 4 mm or beyond, it likely indicates the presence of periodontitis.
Periodontal Care and Treatment
Periodontitis can usually be treated and resolved, especially if caught in its early stages. Most commonly, dentists will begin with non-surgical treatments, including…
- Scaling - the removal of tartar and bacteria from teeth using instruments, a laser, or an ultrasonic device.
- Root Planting - smoothing of the root surfaces to discourage further tartar and bacteria buildup.
- Antibiotics - topical or oral medication to help control and fight the infection.
If the periodontitis has progressed to the more severe, later stages, the dentist may recommend a more extensive treatment plan. This may include the use of one of the following surgeries:
- Soft Tissue Grafts - the dentist reinforces the damaged soft tissue with a small amount of tissue taken from another place in the mouth or a donor source.
- Flap Surgery - also known as pocket reduction surgery, in which a dentist makes tiny incisions in the gum to expose the roots for better scaling and root planting.
- Bone Grafting - a graft of small bone fragments (synthetic or donated) used to hold destroyed, rotted teeth in place and promote effective regrowth.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration - a piece of biocompatible fabric is placed between the bone and tooth to help the bone grow back if destroyed by bacteria.
After periodontal treatment, additional maintenance will likely be required to prevent further gum disease or tooth decay. This often involves the use of scheduled
dental x-rays, as well as continuous
teeth cleaning and polishing.
Of course, aftercare doesn’t just fall under the dentist’s responsibility. Patients recovering from periodontitis will also need to enact lifestyle changes to prevent the disease from returning, such as…
- Brushing teeth at least twice per day
- Using an electric toothbrush
- Replacing the toothbrush/toothbrush head every three months
- Flossing at least once per day
- Using a dentist-recommended mouthwash
- Supplementing brushing and flossing with an interdental cleaner
Additionally, if the patient
smokes or chews tobacco, the dentist will recommend quitting the habit as soon as possible. Both substantially contribute to the risk of gum infections.
What Happens When Periodontal Disease Goes Untreated?
If diagnosed in a timely manner, periodontitis can be successfully treated and stopped. However, many patients are unaware that they have periodontal disease. This leads to late treatment, and in some cases, no treatment.
When left untreated, gum disease can lead to a large range of complications. Most commonly, ignored periodontitis can ruin bone, loosen teeth, and cause teeth to fall out. It may not start as a painful disease, but eventually, it will likely trigger severe pain and sensitivity.
The effects of untreated periodontitis don’t stop inside the mouth. In extreme cases, the bacteria buildup can result in conditions such as:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Rectal cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Obesity
- Pregnancy complications
The bottom line is that gum disease is not
to be taken lightly. Stay on top of your regular cleanings and see a dentist every six months to catch periodontitis in its early stages, before it worsens or triggers further health risks.
Dealing With Periodontal Disease? Contact a Dentist in Stockton, CA
Have you noticed signs of periodontal disease? Has it been a while since you were checked out by a dentist? Now’s the time to get ahead of complications and seek professional treatment.
Dr. Bernard Galvez and his wife, Dr. Christina Galvez, are happy to serve as your go-to dentists in Stockton, CA. With the help of their team, they’ve cultivated a dental practice rooted in compassion, respect, and high-quality patient care.
When you turn to Galvez Dental, rest assured that you’ll receive the precise treatment you need – from gum care to restorative procedures and beyond. To learn more or schedule your appointment,
contact the office today.
