What is Periodontitis or Gum Disease?

Periodontitis is an infection of the gums. It damages the area of tissue around the teeth. When the gums become infected, the damage is done to the soft tissue of the gum area. Also, the bone that supports your teeth is also damaged. Untreated periodontitis leads to losing teeth or a loss of teeth.

Typically, periodontitis is caused by poor dental hygiene. Chronic periodontal disease remains caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth that can destroy the teeth and gums. Aggressive periodontitis occurs in a limited number of people and seems to run in families. In the case of aggressive gum disease, bone loss and loss of teeth rapidly occur if treatment isn’t started immediately. The third type of gum disease, called necrotizing periodontal disease, indicates the death of gum tissue and tooth ligaments. Plus, the supportive bone of the teeth begins to die. The result of these symptoms is a severe infection. Usually, necrotizing periodontal disease occurs in people who have immune system problems, have cancer or due to extreme malnutrition.

What are the Symptoms of Gingivitis?

Gingivitis remains a term used to describe the early stages of gum disease. If you have gingivitis, you’ll experience mild but significant symptoms like swelling and sensitivity. Another sign of gingivitis is a bit of bleeding of the gums when you brush or floss your teeth. Gingivitis can progress to full-blown periodontitis if these early symptoms aren’t treated as soon as possible.

What are the Symptoms of Full Periodontitis?

Also, symptoms of gingivitis in progress, they worsen markedly. If gingivitis is not treated, gum disease can progress into periodontitis. Some of the uncomfortable signs of gum disease include:

• Gum bleeding that is more pronounced.
• Increased redness in the affected area.
• Tooth and gum sensitivity.
• Your teeth will look longer than usual. This added length means that your gums are receding.
• You will have loose teeth.
• The jawbone itself will begin to recede.

Why is it Crucial to Treat Gum Disease Quickly?

Not only is gum disease painful, but it can have severe consequences to your smile and the health of your mouth, too. Not only is your mouth affected by periodontal disease, but a gum infection may influence the rest of your body. Scientists theorize that gum infections may put you at a higher risk for heart disease or heart attacks than a person with healthy gums. Also, researchers believe that there is a link between diabetes and periodontitis. The oral bacteria of gum disease directly contribute to the body forming blood clots. These blood clots may cause any number of medical problems, especially a stroke if the clot enters the brain.

If you have gingivitis, a good cleaning may be all you need to bring your gums and teeth back to excellent health again. If you have moderate periodontitis, you may need a deep cleaning of your teeth and root planning performed to prevent the progression of this disease. If you receive the diagnosis of severe gum disease, our expert doctors can design a comprehensive treatment that may include removing gum tissue and replacing it with a gum graft. We also use laser technology to provide our patients with the latest in technology for quicker healing time and less discomfort.

If you are worried about your gum’s health, or if you haven’t been to the dentist for a comprehensive examination and a cleaning, contact us. Our skillful doctors and friendly office personnel will make you feel cared for and comfortable as we set you up with an appointment. We will find you a convenient time for your appointment and provide you with a good time to receive treatment.