Periodontal disease is among the leading factors of bone loss in teeth. If gum disease is discovered and addressed in its initial stages, it is curable, and prevention of tooth loss is possible. Maintain healthy teeth and gums and visit the dentist twice a year for cleanings and exams to ward off gum infections.
If gum disease is found during your visit, the dentist will advise you on improving your at-home oral hygiene and will also suggest specialist treatment options for you to consider to prevent dental bone loss.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Both hereditary and environmental factors can contribute to the development of gum disease, although in many circumstances, the risk of developing periodontitis can be significantly decreased by maintaining proper dental hygiene.
Some of the most typical causes of gum disease include the ones listed below:
- Practicing poor dental hygiene
- Tobacco consumption
- Genetic predisposition
- Pregnancy and menopause
- Poor nutrition and stress
- Diabetes and underlying medical issues
- Teeth grinding
Signs of Gum Disease
The most typical indications and symptoms of gum disease are as follows:
- Red, swollen, and soft gums
- Bleeding while using a toothbrush or floss
- Recessed gums (gums that pull away from the teeth)
- Cracking or loose teeth
- Continuous foul breath (halitosis)
- Partially worn-out partial dentures
- A cavity between the gums and teeth
- A different biting pattern and jaw alignment
Gum disease symptoms and indicators can resemble those of other illnesses or health issues. For a diagnosis, consult a dentist or other expert in oral health.
Periodontal Disease Stages
Early-stage gingivitis, mild periodontal disease, moderate disease, and advanced periodontal disease are the four stages of gum disease.
Early Stage Gingivitis
Early-stage gingivitis is among the gum diseases beginning stages. Due to its inability to yet affect the bones, gingivitis is the only reversible stage of this disease. It occurs as a result of plaque accumulation around the teeth. Only a few symptoms exist, and the majority are benign. It is why periodontal disease is so widespread and worrisome.
Periodic bad breath, swollen, red gums, and bleeding when brushing or flossing are the early warning signs to watch for. With routine checkups and good overall oral hygiene, gingivitis can be treated and reversed.
Slight Periodontal Disease
The second stage of the disease is slight periodontal disease. Although it is not reversible, it is controllable. By the time a patient enters stage two, the infection has traveled to the bone and has started the process of damaging the bone.
Gums that are more swollen or red, foul breath, bleeding when brushing or flossing, and piercing depths between four and five millimeters are all indications.
Moderate Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease’s third stage is not reversible, much like slight periodontal disease. The same symptoms that were present in stage two are present in stage three, but the piercing depths are deeper (six to seven millimeters), allowing more germs to attack not only your bones but also your circulatory and immune system. Scaling and root planing are the primary methods of treatment for stage two and stage three gum disease.
Advanced Periodontal Disease
With the infection worsening and the germs once more transforming into disease-causing bacteria, periodontal disease reaches its end stage. You now have a 50% to 90% chance of losing bone mass.
Advanced periodontal disease causes red, swollen gums that exude pus, cold sensitivity, further tooth losing, painful chewing, chronic halitosis, and dental bone loss. In this stage, the deep, bacterially-filled pockets must be cleaned via periodontal surgery or periodontal laser therapy.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
It is crucial to treat this disease as soon as possible. One can prevent periodontal disease from occurring and slow down the course of periodontal disease by keeping frequent appointments for checkups and cleanings and maintaining good daily oral hygiene routines.
Periodontists provide a range of therapies, including root surface debridement and scaling, and root planing, which entail cleansing the injured root surface. Patients may also undergo a range of surgical procedures to treat severe periodontal disease and for aesthetic purposes.
Wrap Up
The best defense against periodontal disease, its signs, and the health issues it can cause is daily brushing and flossing. However, it’s crucial to consult a dentist right away if you do exhibit signs of gum disease in either its early or advanced stages. For the best dental treatment in Tupelo, get in touch with us because we specialize in treating and maintaining gum health.