Periodontitis: An Inside Look Into the Causes and Treatment

Having proper dental hygiene is a healthy life-long habit. If you neglect taking care of your teeth, you might find yourself dealing with gum disease. Gum disease is very subtle and can sneak up on you. It is a widespread problem in America today, and nearly half of the adult population is battling this condition.

Periodontal disease (gum disease) though subtle, should not be taken lightly since it has far-reaching effects. You might need the services of our periodontist in Weymouth if you suspect that you have the disease.

In most cases, gum disease is preventable, and regular visits to our family dentist in Weymouth can go a long way in keeping your smile healthy. However, to prevent the disease, you need to know more about it.

About Gum (Periodontal) Disease

Have you ever brushed your teeth and discovered that there is some blood when you spit in the sink? This is one of the “neon” signs, so to speak, when it comes to this disease. Also, it is a sign that people ignore the most. Bleeding happens because the gums are inflamed, which marks the beginning of the disease, a condition known as gingivitis.

Typically when you enjoy a meal, there are food particles that remain in the mouth. Your mouth is an ecosystem filled with helpful and harmful bacteria struggling to survive. Harmful bacteria swarm where the food particles are and form a sticky film known as plaque. If you don’t brush to remove this sticky layer, it mineralizes, forming tartar (brown stains).

At this stage, tartar causes your gums to be inflamed and not heal as they should. This compromises the structure of your teeth, causing your teeth to become loose. If you don’t visit a dentist for treatment, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis.
At this stage, you can lose your teeth. This disease can lead to other health issues if it is not properly managed, such as diabetes.

How Can You Tell That You Have Gum Disease?

As you already know by now, bleeding gums is the most glaring symptom of periodontal disease. However, there are other symptoms that you should look out for:

• Bad breath
• Sensitive teeth
• Swollen gums
• Red or discolored gums
• Shifting or wiggly teeth
• Receding gums

What Are Some of the Risk Factors Associated With Gum Disease?

The following risk factors can increase your chances of getting gum disease:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity
• Family history
• Smoking
• Poor nutrition
• Medication that can cause a reduction in the flow of saliva
• Hormonal changes in women, especially during pregnancy and menstruation

How Is It Treated?

When you come to visit our periodontist in Weymouth, the main aim is to clean your teeth to remove the tartar and control the infection. What this does is that it allows your gums to heal and reattach properly to the teeth. Also, it helps stop the degenerative process that comes with prolonged bacterial infection.

Our Weymouth dentist may recommend two types of treatments:

Non-Surgical Treatment

At the onset of the disease, there is no need for surgery. Some of the non-surgical treatments are:

• • Scaling and Root Planing

This is the initial treatment for gum disease. It involves removing tartar and plaque from the surfaces of your teeth and slightly underneath the gums. It aids in the removal of bacterial toxins. After this procedure, there is no need for extra treatment other than the use of antibiotics to control the infection.

• • Periodontics’ Tray Delivery System

Your impression will be taken to create a tray delivery system that you may use at home. The tray acts as a medication delivery system.

Surgical Treatments

If your gum disease is in the advanced stages, then you may need any of the following surgical procedures:

• • Pocket Reduction Surgery/Flap Surgery

In this procedure, your gums are lifted to allow our dentist to remove tartar and your root surfaces to be smoothed out to inhibit plaque buildup. Your gums are then reattached snugly, making it difficult for bacteria to hide.

• • Soft Tissue Grafts

When you have thin gum tissue, you may need gingival grafts to help bulk them up. Also, the procedure can help rectify receding gums.

• • Bone Grafts

In case your jawbone was affected, these bone grafts help with the regrowth of your bone to provide stability for your teeth.

• • Implants

Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. They are titanium posts placed in your jaw, and a dental prosthesis like a crown is placed on top, thus replacing your entire tooth.

In Closing

Even though gum disease causes tooth loss and is linked with other severe health conditions, it is treatable and preventable. Contact our periodontist in Weymouth at Weymouth Dental Associates if you’re suffering from gum disease. We would love to help you keep your smile healthy!