Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, refers to infection and inflammation of the gums and bone tissues that anchor your teeth in place. Some people have a higher risk of developing periodontal disease because of other health conditions or genetics, but the vast majority of cases come from poor oral hygiene habits. Many people have it too: almost half of the adults in America have mild, moderate, or severe periodontal disease.
Nearly 70% of adults over 65 have gum disease! Our dentist, Dr. Croft educates and cares for patients to help them prevent periodontal disease for healthy, bright smiles.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Healthy gums are pink, comfortable, and fit snugly against the teeth, holding them firmly in place. Gum disease attacks the gum tissues, causing inflammation, bleeding, pain, and eventually, the inability of the gums to support the teeth. There are different levels of periodontal disease, from mild to severe.
The earlier we can catch and treat gum disease, the sooner we can alleviate the symptoms:
- Red, swollen gum tissue
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Gums receding (pulling away) from the teeth
- Pain when chewing food
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Changes in how the teeth fit together
If you have any of these symptoms, please schedule an appointment with our dentist in Gainesville, GA.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease doesn’t happen all at once. It develops gradually from a lack of proper daily dental hygiene. Every day, as you eat, drink, and talk, a thin layer of bacterial film called plaque accumulates around the gumline. The bacteria eat the sugars and food particles in your meals. You can brush and floss most plaque away every day, preferably after meals and before bed. Brushing twice a day is great for most people. Flossing before bed is a great way to remove plaque and food particles so they don’t remain between your teeth overnight.
Any plaque you can’t reach will eventually turn into concrete-like tartar on the teeth around the gumline. Bacteria can proliferate on tartar, causing pockets of infection just under the gums. Brushing and flossing can’t remove tartar, but keeping your regular dental cleaning appointments can.
If tartar continues to build up without being professionally cleaned away, periodontal disease will develop. Some other factors that contribute to gum disease include poor nutrition, hormonal changes, smoking, obesity, genetic factors, autoimmune diseases, some medications, and low levels of vitamin C. Regular visits with Dr. Croft can help you manage your periodontal disease risk factors to prevent problems.
Periodontal Disease Stages
The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, which refers to the inflammation of the gums. During this stage, you may notice tender, swelling gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss. You might be struggling with bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. Sometimes the gums or teeth will be sensitive to heat or cold. Fortunately, periodontal disease can be reversed at the gingivitis stage with improved oral hygiene at home and regular dental cleanings.
Without these interventions, however, gingivitis can worsen into advanced periodontitis. This chronic, inflammatory stage of gum disease starts destroying gum tissue and can attack the bones supporting your teeth. At this point, symptoms include receding gums, pain, teeth shifting place, or even falling out. Advanced periodontitis infection can also worsen other health conditions including heart disease and diabetes. Severe periodontal disease cannot be cured, but the team here at Jason C. Croft, D.M.D. can stop the damage from progressing, prevent the infection from progressing, relieve pain, and help you save your teeth.
Visit the Dentist Gainesville Trusts to Prevent and Treat Periodontal Disease
The best treatment for periodontal disease is prevention! Please schedule an appointment with us today for your regular cleaning, or to address any symptoms of gum disease.
