Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from gum disease, or periodontal disease. Maintaining good oral hygiene and overall health requires understanding periodontal disease, its causes, symptoms, and treatment choices. We’ll cover periodontal disease’s causes and latest treatments in this comprehensive guide.
What is periodontal disease?
Bacterial periodontal disease affects the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. It causes modest gum inflammation and serious damage to the soft and hard structures supporting the teeth due to inflammation and destruction.
Causes of periodontal disease
Plaque, a bacteria-laden film on teeth and gums, causes periodontal disease. Plaque can solidify into tartar (calculus) if not eliminated by brushing and flossing, which shelters additional germs and causes gum inflammation and infection.
Several factors raise periodontal disease risk, including:
- Poor oral hygiene: Poor brushing and flossing can cause plaque buildup and gum disease.
- Smoking and tobacco use: Tobacco reduces immunity and impairs gum healing.
- Genetic predisposition: Genetic factors make periodontal disease more likely.
- Certain medications: Some medications may cause oral health issues by reducing saliva production or leading to gingival overgrowth.
- Hormonal changes: The risk of getting gum disease can increase during puberty, pregnancy and menopause.
- Chronic conditions: Immunity can be affected in diabetes and HIV/AIDS which then makes gum disease more possible.
- Poor nutrition: The lack of nutrients could decrease the body’s ability to fight infections, for instance, gum disease.
Diagnosis and treatment options
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to treating periodontal disease and avoiding tooth and tissue damage.
A full oral test by the family dentist in Phoenix may reveal gum disease:
- Visual examination: The dentist checks gums for inflammation, bleeding, or recession.
- Probe measurements: The dentist measures the depth of the spaces (periodontal pockets) between gums and teeth using a probe. Deeper gum pockets indicate advanced illness.
- X-rays: Dental radiographs can reveal bone loss and other structural changes caused by periodontal disease. Treatment will be dependent on the type of gum disease after the diagnosis.
Common periodontal disease treatments:
Professional dental cleaning:
Scaling and root planning involves debridement of plaque and tartar from teeth and roots which create a healing condition for the gums.
Medication:
Antibacterial oral rinses or topical medications would be used to manage the infection and reduce pain.
Laser therapy:
Provides relief from the problems and the healing time as it removes the diseased tissues and stimulating the gum regeneration.
Surgical interventions:
In cases where severe periodontal disease is contracted, flap surgery, bone grafting, and guided tissue regeneration become necessary to remedy the bone and tissue damage.
Lifestyle changes: Apply a healthy diet, stop smoking, and improve your dental care to keep you gum disease free and ensure that you have perfect oral health.
Periodontal disease prevention tips
Periodontal disease prevention consists of basic oral hygiene and living a healthy lifestyle. Gum disease prevention tips:
Brush and floss regularly:
Brush your teeth and floss at least two times a day to prevent plaque and tartar building up.
Use fluoride toothpaste:
Toothpaste with fluoride is used to reinforce teeth surfaces and prevent cavities.
Regular dental checkups:
Regularly visit a dentist office in Phoenix to be cleaned and assessed, as this will help to detect gum disease at an early stage.
Avoid tobacco use:
Smoking and tobacco use are major risk factors for gum disease and in general bad health of the mouth.
Balanced diet:
Make sure to add fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to your diet in your quest for healthy gums and overall health.
Conclusion
Periodontal disease is common and it can be prevented; otherwise, it can seriously compromise oral health. Learning why periodontal diseases develop and the possible treatments can enable us to have healthy teeth and gums for the rest of our lives.
Prevention and control of periodontal disease are possible by having regular dental checkups, maintaining good oral hygiene, and deep teeth cleaning. Through dental care and maintaining your teeth, you can keep your oral health for a long time.
