Gum disease, called periodontal disease, refers to a serious problem of the jaw bone, which is also one of the primary causes of tooth loss among adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 42% of adults aged 30 years and more have some form of periodontal disease. On the other hand, around 70.1% of adults aged 65 years or more have periodontal disease.
From the numbers, it is apparent that periodontal disease is a growing concern. If not treated by an emergency dentist, the concern may become a serious or even life-threatening problem.
To prevent this from happening, it is important to know about gum disease, its symptoms, and the treatment options available. This blog will help you understand the disease in detail. Let us take a closer look.
What is a Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease or gum disease refers to inflammation in the gums. The inflammation makes the gums tender and sore. This initial stage of tenderness or soreness is called gingivitis. If gingivitis is left untreated, the condition morphs into periodontist, the advanced stage of oral disease.
At the periodontists stage, the gums begin to recede and pull away from the tooth, causing tooth loss. Moreover, the gum’s recession also causes gaps to develop between teeth, which increases the chances of infection.
Unfortunately, the infection in the mouth can also spread to the rest of the body, leading to heart disease and even sepsis.
What Causes Gum Disease?
The leading reason for periodontal disease is plaque formation which eventually hardens into tartar if not removed immediately. The accumulated plaque and tartar create a favorable environment for bacteria. If left unchecked, the bacteria begin to infect the tissues, bones, and the structures surrounding the teeth.
In essence, the major risk factors for periodontists include plaque and neglect. Apart from this, other factors that increase the risk of periodontal disease include:
- Diabetes
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking
- Genetics
- Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy
- Medications
What are the Stages of Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease is typically classified into two stages, with the later stage representing the advanced form.
The first stage of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis. Gingivitis presents itself in the form of bleeding gums at its early stage.
Initially, gingivitis only affects your gums and does not extend to the inner bone material. However, if it is detected early, it can be reversed by improving daily dental hygiene.
If no action is taken at the initial stage, the periodontal disease progresses to its advanced stage, called periodontists.
Periodontists can also be further classified into “mild” and “advanced” forms. While mild periodontists causes bleeding, inflammation, and gum recession, advanced periodontists also causes the formation of pockets between your teeth and gums.
The effects of mild periodontists are limited to the gums. The advanced form, on the other hand, damages both the gums and the bone tissue within the jaw, which supports the teeth. At this stage, teeth begin to weaken and even fall out.
What are the Symptoms of Periodontal Infection?
In addition to the stage-specific symptoms of periodontal disease mentioned above, there are also other symptoms that you need to watch out for. These include:
- Bleeding of gums, especially while brushing or flossing
- Swollen, tender, and inflamed gums
- Gum recession
- Persistent bad breath
- Pain while chewing
- Teeth sensitivity
What are the Treatments for Periodontal Disease?
The treatment for periodontal disease is focused on eradicating plaque and bacterial deposits on your teeth and gums.
Depending on the severity, the emergency dentist will create a treatment plan which may include the following:
- Oral hygiene practices
- Professional cleaning
- Antibiotics
- Surgery (in extreme cases)
How to Prevent Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an alarming condition. It can, however, be prevented by following the steps below:
- Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue at least two times in a day
- Floss/use an interdental brush to clean your teeth and remove food particles between your teeth
- Rinse your mouth and teeth with an antibacterial mouthwash after brushing
- Visit your dentist frequently or at least twice a year for professional cleaning.
Takeaway
Periodontal disease can be reversed if detected early. Regular follow-ups with the dentist are vital to effectively treat a gum disease. In addition, practicing a dental routine and following your dentist’s instructions can help you prevent gum disease.
Get Your Teeth Checked at Hopkins Family Dentistry
Whether you wish to get your teeth checked or treat gum disease, our experts at Hopkins Family Dentistry can help you with a range of dental treatments.
Schedule an appointment with us today!
You can also contact us at (952) 935-2121.
You can visit us at 1919 Main Street, Hopkins, MN 55343.
