Periodontal disease is a severe gum infection. The disease is chronic and inflammatory triggered by bacterial microorganisms. It comprises chronic inflammation causing destruction of the tooth-supporting structures and leading to tooth loss. Periodontal disease also causes other health problems. If you are affected by periodontal disease, you can find remedies for the condition at Thumbs up Dental — North Branch but prepare yourself for the long haul.
Approximately 70 percent of tooth loss in the country is the result of periodontal disease in adults. Around 40 percent of the population suffers from periodontal disease. This condition is easily treatable if detected early when periodontal specialists can halt the progress of the disease to restore gum health.
Gum disease starts with inflammation of the gums in its earliest stage. As a result, you notice bleeding gums when brushing and flossing, and your gums appear red and swollen. You may also see a discolored layer of bacterial plaque on your teeth. If you leave the condition untreated by neglecting dental cleanings, the plaque classifies into hard deposits called tartar, which is challenging to remove with a toothbrush.
When you leave the earliest stage of periodontal disease untreated, you develop the severe infection periodontal disease. With this condition, you notice increased bleeding from the gums when eating, brushing, or spontaneously. You have bad breath and notice changes in the position of your teeth and jaws. Your teeth may appear longer due to receding gums and cause pain.
You may not notice periodontal disease until you are 40 or 50, by which time significant damage may have occurred. However, the North Branch dentist can detect gum disease early during routine dental exams and cleanings to monitor your periodontal status using various tools.
The earliest age of gum disease is gingivitis and inflammation limited to your gum line. Gingivitis does not cause loss of structures; holding your teeth in place indicating excellent oral hygiene at home can prevent its progress and restore healthy gums. Periodontal disease is the advanced stage of gingivitis because after a bone loss has occurred due to inflammation repairing the damage is challenging. Treating periodontal disease requires more than excellent oral hygiene at home, needing professional care from a periodontal specialist near you.
In simple terms, the buildup of bacteria from dental plaque is the leading cause of periodontal disease. Your mouth has 700 species of harmless bacteria living in harmony with you. Unfortunately, bacterial buildups deposit next to your gums when you don’t clean your teeth thoroughly, forming plaque. The plaque creates conditions for harmful bacteria to flourish in your mouth, compromising the body’s natural defenses.
Plaque hardens into tartar within 48 hours to encourage the growth of the bacteria towards your tooth roots. Tartar leads to weakening of the attachment of the root of your gums to create a periodontal pocket. The pockets are ideal for harmful bacteria to accumulate and multiply to drive the disease forward as the bacteria release toxins to compromise the body’s defense mechanism further.
Suppose you want the optimal treatment option for periodontal disease. In that case, you must seek periodontal treatment in North Branch and work with the professional diligently to successfully eliminate bacterial plaque triggering the disease process. You must also establish excellent oral hygiene practices and go through various stages of periodontal treatment if you wish for success.
The dental specialist in North Beach explains the causes of your infection, giving you specific instructions on keeping your teeth and gums clean. You also have to undergo a deep cleaning from all accessible areas of your teeth for plaque and tartar removal and have your teeth polished and treated with fluoride. If required, the dentist also removes bacterial deposits and tartar from the gum pockets and root surfaces.
It is recommended you get antibiotic therapy to deal with persistent gum infections that are unresponsive to oral hygiene measures. If periodontal disease is in an advanced stage, you may undergo corrective surgical procedures for plaque and bacteria removal.
Even after undergoing various procedures, you must continue receiving supportive periodontal therapy to ensure the condition does not return to cause further destruction of your gums and jawbone. If there are signs of the disease returning, your dentists can treat the condition if detected early. You also receive advice on changing your hygiene practices to manage the inflammation.
The most effective tip for recovering from periodontal disease is to not allow it to progress from gingivitis. Early prevention and corrective measures are not challenging and easily achievable by maintaining proper dental hygiene and getting regular exams and cleanings from your dentist.