Periodontal Disease
Your mouth does a lot for you every single day. It allows you to eat, speak, and smile confidently. Oral hygiene is crucial for ensuring that your mouth can effectively perform its tasks. It is recommended that you brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. It is also essential that you have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined at least twice a year. These habits are critical for the prevention of serious oral health issues, including periodontal disease. Should periodontal disease occur, however, Sussex Dental can help.
Periodontal DiseasePeriodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is a progressive disease that impacts the health of your gums, your jawbone, and your teeth. If left untreated for too long, periodontal disease can also impact your overall health. When periodontal disease begins, however, it is barely noticeable, and often goes unnoticed altogether. Plaque and bacteria build up on the surfaces of your teeth, irritating your sensitive gum tissue. This triggers an immune response that causes the gums to swell. As the periodontal disease continues to progress, the tissue pulls away from your teeth, allowing bacteria to fall below the gum line. There, bacteria begin attacking the supporting structures of your teeth. Over time, the structures weaken, your gum line recedes, and your teeth become loose. You may even be faced with tooth loss.
How Does Periodontal Disease Happen?Periodontal disease can be caused by many different issues. Causes include:| • |
Poor oral hygiene practices. This is one of the leading causes of periodontal disease. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental exams are essential for eliminating buildup. Without proper care, these substances accumulate on the surfaces of your teeth, drastically increasing your risk for periodontal disease.
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Poor tooth alignment. Spaces between your teeth or overlapping make your mouth harder to clean and provide hiding places for plaque and bacteria.
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Cigarettes and other tobacco products. These habits restrict your blood flow and limit oxygen in your blood.
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Dry mouth. Dry mouth is a condition in which there is not enough saliva in your mouth. This creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Dry mouth is often caused by alcohol, certain types of medications, and certain medical conditions. |
What Are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?The symptoms of periodontal disease vary based on how advanced the condition is. These symptoms include:| • |
Red, swollen gums. Your gums may also bleed when you brush and floss.
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Your gums are receding.
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You suffer from chronic bad breath. This is caused by bacteria and debris that are trapped below the gum line. No matter how much you brush, floss, and rinse, your bad breath just will not go away.
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Small spaces appear between your teeth.
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Tooth sensitivity, which is caused by root exposure.
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Loose teeth and tooth loss. |
How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?The type of treatment you receive for periodontal disease depends upon the severity of your condition. | • |
Scaling and root planing, deep cleaning of all surfaces of your teeth above and below the gum line.
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Periodontal maintenance. Periodontal maintenance is a series of regularly scheduled visits for exams and cleanings. This treatment is generally recommended when an initial treatment for periodontal disease does not yield the desired results.
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Pocket reduction surgery. This procedure is performed when the pockets are too deep to clean with scaling and root planing.
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Gum tissue and bone grafting. Gum grafting is performed to restore a recessed gum line. Bone grafting is performed to restore missing bone mass, typically before implant surgery. |
When periodontal disease strikes, getting treatment as soon as possible is essential for stopping its progression in its tracks and helping your mouth to heal. Call Sussex Dental today at (262) 246-6806 to schedule your appointment. |
