Periodontics

Periodontal Disease: Understanding This Serious Oral Health Condition

Periodontal disease is a range of inflammatory conditions that affect the gum tissues and can lead to damage to the soft tissues and bones in your mouth. In fact, periodontitis is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States.‍

Causes of Periodontal Disease: Poor Oral Hygiene Habits and More

One of the major causes of gum disease is poor oral hygiene habits. This includes not brushing and flossing regularly and not scheduling professional exams and cleanings. When plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, is not properly removed from your teeth and gums, it can harden and turn into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. When tartar builds up, gum disease may advance to gingivitis.

Symptoms of Gingivitis: What to Look Out For

Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontal disease where your gums may become red, swollen, and bleed easily. You may also experience other symptoms such as chronic halitosis, sensitive teeth, and pain or discomfort when eating. At this point, it is important to seek professional periodontal treatment to prevent the gingivitis from advancing to periodontitis.‍

Periodontitis: The Most Advanced Form of Periodontal Disease

If gingivitis is left untreated, it may progress to periodontitis, which is the most advanced form of periodontal disease. Periodontitis causes gums to pull away from your teeth, creating small pockets that are difficult to clean. Without prompt and thorough treatment, periodontitis can lead to the destruction of bone, gums, and soft tissues in your mouth.

Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease: Beyond Poor Oral Hygiene Habits

There are several factors that contribute to the development of periodontal disease, including poor oral hygiene habits, diabetes, smoking, and female hormonal changes. Some medications can also cause gum tissue to develop abnormal tissues, which can make it harder to properly clean your teeth. People who are receiving treatment for AIDS are also at increased risk of developing periodontal disease.‍

Periodontal Disease and Your Overall Health: The Connection

It is important to note that untreated periodontal disease may negatively impact other aspects of your overall health, especially for patients with cardiovascular disease or diabetes. For those with diabetes, periodontal infection can have a significant impact on glycemic control, making it more difficult to regulate blood sugar levels. Infection causes the release of stress hormones, which worsens insulin resistance and causes a rise in glucose levels.

Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease: Improving Overall Health Outcomes

The good news is that treatment for periodontal disease can result in significant improvements in overall health outcomes. For example, periodontal disease treatment has been associated with a reduction in levels of HbA1c, a reduction of risk for diabetes-related illness, a reduction in myocardial infection, and a reduction of microvascular infection. Our periodontal disease treatment options include scaling and root planing and periodontal trays.

Trust Our Experienced Professionals to Treat Your Periodontal Disease

Our team of experienced professionals has the training and knowledge to diagnose and treat every stage of periodontal disease. If you are experiencing symptoms of periodontal disease, please contact our office to schedule a consultation. Don't wait until it's too late to protect your oral and overall health.