Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal disease is an inflammation of the gum tissue. It is a progressive condition that results in more severe symptoms in its most advanced stages. Signs of early stage gum disease include bleeding, swollen or red gums. Pockets between the gums and the teeth indicate some progression of the disease. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause consequences like tooth and bone loss. This oral disease is quite common, especially as people get older, affecting as many as half of Americans over age 30. It also appears to have some correlation with systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria are able to collect along the gumline and cause inflammation as the tissue attempts to eliminate the bacteria. Poor oral hygiene and lack of professional dental care are the most prevalent causes of gum disease. Genetics, hormonal changes, stress and smoking can also contribute to gum disease. Certain diseases and medication use may also increase a patient’s risk for gum disease.

Whatever you can do to minimize the presence of those bacteria in your mouth will help to reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease. Your daily oral hygiene regimen is your first line defense against gum disease. Flossing along the gumline and brushing thoroughly in this area – twice a day, two minutes per session – can help to keep bacteria in check. An anti-bacterial mouthwash can be helpful, too, especially if you tend to develop a lot of plaque and tartar buildup. Your routine dental cleanings also are important to your efforts to prevent gum disease. The dental hygienist can use specialized instruments to remove any bacteria-containing plaque and tartar that can still accumulate along the gumline even if you do brush and floss daily.

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition. That is, it develops in a series of stages, with each one causing more severe symptoms than the previous one. Gingivitis is the first of these stages and the mildest form of gum disease. Gingivitis can be treated with a deep professional cleaning, with minimal discomfort for the patient. You should visit your dentist for exams every six months to be monitored for signs of gingivitis so that you can get treatment early, when it is most effective and least invasive.