Periodontal Disease

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums. Commonly called gum disease, this potentially damaging condition can weaken the supportive foundation of your teeth. Periodontal disease is often treatable in its early stages, but over time, it can cause severe damage. While preventing periodontal disease is ideal, early intervention can help protect your gums.

What are the types of periodontal disease?

There are two common types of periodontal disease:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. At this point, your gums may be red and inflamed, but your teeth are still firmly intact. The effects of gingivitis are reversible with early treatment, so it’s important to seek professional dental care to minimize its damage to your gum health.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is an advanced form of periodontal disease. If you have periodontitis, plaque is accumulating beneath the gumline and eating away at your supportive structures. The condition is treatable but not reversible. Regular management is essential to prevent receding gums, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.

What are the signs of periodontal disease?

Common signs of periodontal disease include:

• Swollen gums
• Red, tender gums
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Discomfort or pain when chewing
• Tooth loss
• Halitosis (bad breath)

As periodontal disease progresses, you can start to see visible pockets of plaque between the teeth and gums. The sooner you seek treatment, the more likely you are to slow the disease’s progression.

What causes periodontal disease?

Anybody can develop periodontal disease, but certain people are at an increased risk. Common causes of periodontal disease include:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Tobacco use
• High-sugar diet
• Genetics
• Obesity
• Certain medications
• Weakened immunity
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Diabetes

Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can also increase your risk of periodontal disease.

What are the treatments for periodontal disease?

Advanced Dentistry has the latest dental technology to treat periodontal disease. If you have gingivitis, your dentist may recommend professional teeth cleaning and oral hygiene strategies to prevent plaque buildup at home. Advanced periodontal disease, like periodontitis, may require more extensive care.

Also called deep teeth cleaning, scaling and root planing removes plaque beneath the gumline. Advanced Dentistry is home to the Waterlase iPlus® and EPIC X® dental lasers, which eliminate the need for scalpels and cutting tools. 

During this procedure, your dentist cleans out pockets of plaque beneath the gumline and smooths your roots to reattach your gums.

To learn more about periodontal disease, make an appointment by calling the Advanced Dentistry office or booking online today.

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