Periodontitis (also called gum disease) is caused by bacterial growth that leads to an infection in your mouth and gums. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to an array of health issues including tooth loss.
The American Dental Association states that the main culprits are dental tartar and plaque. Our body does its best to fight this infection, but in many cases, the infection spreads farther down between the teeth, leading to the breakdown of the bone structure and connective tissue holding the teeth together. It is important to act as soon as possible if you notice any symptoms. Basin Dentistry understands that gum disease can be a difficult situation to endure; we always encourage our patients to practice excellent oral health care at home and schedule exams every six months. In some cases, patients will not have any signs or symptoms of gum disease.
Being aware of the symptoms of periodontitis or gum disease can alert you to the need for treatment. Symptoms of gum disease are:
Some behaviors, lifestyle choices and health issues can increase your chance of gum disease. Factors that increase your risk of developing gum disease are:
Scaling and root planning, or “deep cleaning,” is a dental treatment that removes hard buildup, diseased tissue and bacteria on the roots of the affected teeth.
Treatment for gum disease is designed to promote reattachment of the healthy gum tissue to the teeth, reduce swelling, and reduce the causes of gum disease to stop any further progression. Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and how long the disease has been left untreated. Our goal is to make your mouth healthy again.
Don’t let gum disease ruin your beautiful smile and health. Call us at (432) 217-0089 today to schedule a full exam and periodontal checkup.
