Periodontitis is a serious gum infection. It is characterized by an inflammation around the teeth that causes severe damage to the mouth’s soft tissue and bone. When someone has periodontitis, the alveolar bone surrounding the teeth is slowly lost. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to health risks such as tooth loss, strokes or heart attacks. Luckily, with regular dental exams, periodontitis can be easily prevented and treated.
What is the Periodontium?
Periodontitis specifically affects a person’s periodontium. This is the tissue surrounding the teeth. The periodontium is susceptible to a number of diseases and infections, including periodontitis and gingivitis, which compromise the integrity of the teeth and may lead to a variety of health concerns.
Common Symptoms
When someone has periodontitis, there are generally a few telltale signs. Some of the most common symptoms of periodontitis are:
–Swollen gums
–Bright red or purple gums
–Bleeding while flossing or brushing teeth
–Receding gums
–Gums are sensitive to touch
–Gum pain
–Chronic bad breath
–Spacing between teeth increases
–Loose teeth
–Metallic taste in mouth
–Pus between teeth and gums
Causes
Essentially, periodontitis is caused by poor dental hygiene. A few hours after you brush your teeth, a sticky substance known as plaque begins to form on your teeth. If you do not brush your teeth regularly to get rid of this plaque, it can cause gum inflammation and destruction. Other risk factors that may cause periodontitis include:
–Smoking
–Diabetes
–Cancer
–Stress
–Poor Nutrition
–Hormonal changes in Females
–Prescription medications
–Genetics
Treating Periodontitis
If caught early enough, periodontitis can be treated non-surgically. The initial treatment would be to remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth. This will help to restore periodontal health and allow your gums to begin healing. After cleaning, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic to help fight the gum infection.
If this is not enough, dental surgery may be needed in order to resort your mouth’s health.
Preventing Periodontitis
The best way to fight periodontitis is by practicing regular and good dental hygiene. Having the plaque removed from your teeth at least twice a year is a great way to prevent gum disease. Call Daxon Dentistry today for your dental cleaning! Our dedicated staff of healthcare professionals can help prevent periodontitis, making sure your mouth is healthy and your smile is bright!