Can we cure Periodontitis, and how is it treated?
The good news is YES – Periodontitis is curable if caught and treated early.
According to a recent survey by the NIH…Open a new window to view survey…, approximately 48% of adults aged 30 and over have periodontitis.
If your gums are sore, swollen, or bleed when you brush your teeth, you may have a form of the disease.
If this does sound familiar, it is a good idea to talk to your dentist about the problem.
In this blog, we will look at the following:
- What is Periodontitis?
- The stages of Periodontitis
- The causes of the disease
- How to prevent and treat the disease
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis (also known as gum disease) is an infection of the gums. Poor brushing and flossing habits allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden.
Periodontal disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums; painful chewing problems; and even tooth loss in advanced stages.
Periodontal diseases are generally divided into two groups: Gingivitis and Periodontitis.
Symptoms of Periodontitis include
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Pain when chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums or teeth appear longer
- A build-up of plaque on your teeth
If you have any of these symptoms, contact us to schedule an appointment today!
The different stages of Periodontitis
Gingivitis
This is swollen gums and is considered a milder form of gum disease.
It is characterized by tender, red, swollen gums that bleed easily and may cause bad breath (halitosis).
Early
Your gums recede or pull away from your teeth, and you’ll likely experience bleeding during brushing and flossing.
Moderate
You might experience bleeding and pain around the teeth and gum. Your teeth will probably begin to loosen.
Advanced
Your teeth will become very loose, and you will be likely to lose teeth.
Causes
Plaque that is not removed through poor oral hygiene can harden and form dental tartar. Professional cleaning is the only way to remove this tartar.
There are several risk factors for gum disease, but smoking is the most significant.
Treatments for the condition can also be affected by smoking.
How to Prevent or Treat Periodontitis
It is important to know that treatments for Periodontitis are highly successful if identified and treated early.
Consistent good dental hygiene can help prevent this disease.
- Brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Replace toothbrushes every 1 to 3 months.
- Floss at least once a day.
- Eat a well-balanced diet.
- Limit snacking between meals.
- Have regular visits with a dentist for teeth cleaning.
- Schedule regular oral examinations.
- Reduce or stop smoking.
Professional Cleaning
During a professional cleaning, your dentist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, then polish them and treat them with fluoride.
Antibiotics
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help with persistent gum infections that haven’t responded to cleanings.
Surgery
If inflammation persists in hard-to-reach places, your dentist may recommend a surgical procedure to clean deposits under your gums.
Our Main Takeaway
If this disease is caught and treated early enough, it can be cured.
If left untreated, gingivitis will progress into periodontitis and more complications.
Good oral hygiene is the key, together with regular dental checkups with us here at Creekside Dentistry.
If you feel you may have gum disease, you should contact us to schedule an appointment today.
- Call us at: 770-466-0474
- Email us at: info@creeksidedentistry.net
Our office is located in Loganville, GA, and we happily welcome patients from neighboring communities, including Grayson and Monroe, GA.
