What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infectious gum disorder that affects the gums and surrounding tissues. It’s caused by a buildup of plaque on the teeth and gums due to poor oral hygiene. Plaque is a sticky film composed of bacteria, saliva, and food particles that cling to your teeth. When plaque isn’t removed from your teeth daily, it can harden into tartar (calculus), which causes inflammation in the gums, leading to periodontal disease.
When plaque accumulates on your teeth over time, it can cause infection in the gum tissues which support them. This infection can cause the gums to become inflamed and bleed easily, resulting in redness or swelling around the affected area. As the infection gets worse over time, it can lead to bone deterioration and eventual tooth loss if not treated promptly. Early detection is optimal for successful treatment of periodontal disease.
Signs of periodontal disease include:
- Swollen and tender gums
- Receding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Pain when chewing
The earliest stages of gum disease can go unnoticed, but your dentist can detect periodontal problems from routine checkups.
The Most Common Treatments For Periodontal Disease
If your dentist has detected periodontal disease, there are several periodontal treatments available to help control and manage the condition. These treatments include:
These treatments include:
Scaling and root planning – This non-surgical periodontal treatment involves the removal of plaque and tartar in order to promote tissue healing.
Antibiotic therapy – This periodontal treatment involves the use of antibiotics to reduce periodontal infection.
Laser periodontal therapy – This minimally invasive periodontal treatment involves the use of a laser to remove diseased tissue and promote healthy periodontal healing.
Periodontal surgery – This periodontal treatment is more invasive and involves the removal of affected periodontal tissue.
Grafting procedures – This periodontal treatment involves the use of periodontal grafts to replace missing periodontal tissue.
The periodontal treatment that is best for you depends on the severity of your periodontal disease and other factors. Taking care of your gums after treatment will also be important for preventing periodontal disease from returning. Brushing regularly, flossing daily, and using mouthwash can help keep periodontal disease at bay.
