Can A Dentist Get Rid of Periodontal Disease?

One of the major causes of tooth loss is gum disease. This is because early detection of the disease is challenging as there are no symptoms during the early stages. As the disease progresses, it leads to the infection of the gum tissues and bones surrounding the teeth. At this stage, tooth removal will be necessary to prevent the spreading of the disease to healthy teeth. So, can a dentist get rid of periodontal disease before it progresses and leads to tooth loss? Keep on reading to find out.

What Is Periodontal Disease and Its Stages?

Periodontal disease, also gum disease, is caused by plaque that forms on your teeth. The disease begins when harmful bacteria invade your gums and teeth due to poor oral hygiene. The bacteria then turn into plaque which is a sticky substance. Failure to go for deep cleaning at the dentist near you hardens the plaque into tartar.

It is essential to note that periodontitis is more challenging to treat than gingivitis. This is why scheduling regular visits at the dentist in North Branch is critical. The dentist might notice the early signs of periodontal disease and treat it.

Here are the stages of periodontal disease:

• Gingivitis- at this stage, you might experience some irritation in the soft tissues. There might also be redness and swelling in the gums. For gum disease to be fully treated, the dentist needs to identify the disease at this stage. Sadly, there are only mild symptoms during this stage.
• Early periodontitis- at this stage, periodontal disease is not entirely reversible. The bacteria start to damage the soft tissues and weaken the bone structures that support the teeth. Dental treatment can slow the progression of the disease.
• Moderate periodontitis- the gum disease continues to weaken the supportive bone structures. On top of that, the disease creates enlarged gum pockets due to damaged gum tissue. The gum pockets create an area where bacteria can thrive, speeding up the spread of periodontal disease. If you go for periodontal treatment in North Branch, MI, at this stage, the dentist will explain that the disease is not curable. Only periodontal therapy will alleviate the symptoms and prevent the further spread of the bacteria.
• Advanced periodontitis- there are severe symptoms of gum disease during this advanced stage. There is severe gum recession as the connective tissues that hold your teeth in place are damaged. Other symptoms include inflammation and sores, and there can be tooth loss. The dentist near you will combine cosmetic and restorative dentistry to reverse the effects of the disease.

Signs Of Periodontal Disease

• Bad breath even after brushing teeth.
• Bleeding gums after brushing and flossing.
• Dark purple, bright red, or dark red gums.
• Pus oozing from the space between gums and teeth.
• Pain when chewing.
• Tender gums when touched.
• Receding gums.
• Puffy or swollen gums.

What Are Some of The Treatments for Periodontal Disease?

Professional dental cleaning- early detection of periodontal disease can be reversed by a professional dental cleaning. During the cleaning, the dentist removes the plaque and tartar above and below the gumline of your teeth.

Root planing and scaling- the dentist will first administer local anesthesia before root planing and scaling. Scaling entails removing all the tartar and plaque from the gumline of all teeth. On the other hand, root planing is the smoothening out of the tooth roots to ensure the gum reattachs to the teeth. These dental procedures help reduce gum pockets and promote the healing of the gum tissues.

How To Prevent Periodontal Disease

• Practicing proper oral hygiene- periodontal disease is caused by poor oral hygiene. Therefore, to prevent getting the disease, you should brush your teeth twice and floss once daily.
• Be watchful of what you eat- sugary foods create a conducive environment for bacteria growth. Therefore, reduce sugary foods and opt for healthier foods as they promote healthy gums and teeth.
• Get regular dental care- as discussed earlier, periodontal disease can only be treated during the first stages. If you go for regular dental check-ups at Thumbs Up Dental – North Branch, the dentist might notice the early signs of the disease and treat it before it progresses.
• Quit tobacco- smoking or chewing tobacco causes various health problems, which also affect your teeth. The chemicals found in tobacco increase tartar in your teeth which combines with bacteria in your mouth, leading to periodontal disease.