Understanding Periodontal Disease and Learning to Control the Problem

It is estimated that there are 3 million new cases of periodontal disease each year in the United States alone. With nearly half of all American adults suffering from some severity of Periodontitis, it’s important to understand the condition and ways to manage the symptoms. Proper care is essential to preventing infections and other complications that are likely to occur with uncontrolled gum disease. 

The Basics of Periodontal Disease
Inflammation in the gums or underlying bone can occur when there is an infection present. Patients that have periodontal disease typically start out with mild symptoms of gingivitis, such as redness and irritation of the gums. Failing to control these symptoms will lead to periodontitis and the complications that arise with the condition. Adults may experience teeth separating from the gums, bone loss, loose teeth, and frequent bleeding. The initial inflammation is often caused by poor oral hygiene practices because sticky plaque bacteria is left to attack the teeth and gums. We are located near Berlin CT and take periodontal disease very seriously.

Signs That You May Have Periodontitis

A proper diagnosis from your dentist is the only definitive way to determine if you have the early stages of gum disease or the more severe condition of periodontal disease. Patients may notice the following warning signs before a professional diagnosis:

• Constantly bad breath despite frequent brushing
• Puffy, bright red, tender, or bleeding gums
• Pain while chewing
• Multiple loose or sensitive teeth
• Gum recession or teeth appear longer
• Bleeding Gums and Other Complications

Bleeding Gums and Other Complications
Troublesome issues are going to occur if you do have gum disease, especially if you don’t receive regular dental care. Gums that bleed easily when brushing, flossing, or eating indicate that there is an infection present in the mouth. The longer the problem is ignored, the more risk there is to develop chronic inflammation that doesn’t allow the gums to completely heal. Gum tissue eventually becomes weak and breaks down, and it can lead to the formation of pockets that hold the infection. Other complications like migrating or loose teeth have the potential to cause negative changes in the mouth that cannot be reversed. It’s vital that adults with any stage of gum disease are adamant about regular dental visits and a strict brushing schedule. 

Treatment with Deep Cleaning
A regular patient that has a professional cleaning should only require cleaning above the surface of the gums. Deep cleaning is more thorough because a patient with gum disease or advanced periodontitis requires removal of bacterial and tartar below the gum line. If the bacteria is ignored, it’s going to lead to an infection that is difficult to fight without antibiotics. Over time the patient is going to have bone loss and loosened teeth in the area of the infection if deep cleaning is not performed. 

Benefits of Arestin
Following a deep cleaning, it might be recommended to apply Arestin in the pockets surrounding the gum line. It’s a unique antibiotic option because it is applied to the area of the infection to kill bacteria quickly instead of relying on oral ingestion. Not all patients need Arestin as a part of their professional care routine, but it is very helpful to those that are suffering from a more severe case with frequent infections. 

Reducing Your Risk of Developing Periodontal Disease
It’s possible to reverse gum disease in the early stages, and it’s important that all people make the effort to care for their teeth and gums. Daily brushing and flossing is important between professional cleaning visits because bacteria is introduced into the mouth every single day. Smoking not only increases the risk of gum disease, but it also makes it more difficult to treat any infections in the mouth. Make sure that the dentist is aware of any medications that you are taking because some side effects leave the mouth more vulnerable to infection. 

Gum disease can be a genetic issue so it’s also important to discuss family history that may make you more likely to develop issues. The most important way that a person can reduce their risk of peridontitis is to schedule regular examinations with the dentist to thoroughly clean the teeth and identify the signs of a developing problem.