What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

The mouth is the main part of the body which can also show the early signs of serious health problems. Therefore, it is important to go to the dentist for check-ups semi-annually. One of the main reasons is the detection of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a type of gum disease which has affected many people in Phoenix. It impacts other areas of the mouth including teeth and tongue. There are 2 types of gum disease-

• Periodontitis or periodontal disease
• Gingivitis

Gingivitis starts as gum inflammation and if left untreated, it turns into periodontitis. The inner layers of the teeth pull away and form pockets on either side of the teeth. The food debris deposited in the spaces does not remove with brushing. This causes gum infection and the gum line shrinks. The pocket enlarges due to the shrink of the gum line where there could be a risk of tooth loss.

There are several types of periodontitis-

• Chronic periodontitis

This is the common type of disease which has affected many adults and children too. It is caused due to plaque build-up and damages gums and bone and tooth loss.

• Aggressive periodontitis

This develops in childhood or early adulthood which causes damage to bones. If left untreated, there could be a tooth loss.

• Necrotizing periodontal disease

This leads to severe infection when gum tissue, tooth ligaments and supporting bone damages. It occurs in people suffering from diseases such as HIV infection, cancer or malnutrition.

Causes of periodontitis

It is caused due to plaque but there are other factors also.

• Change in hormones

This happens during pregnancy, puberty and menopause which makes the gum sensitive and leads to the development of gingivitis.

• Suffering from illness

Few diseases such as cancer of HIV affect the gums and immune system as well. Patients are at high risk of developing infections including periodontal disease and cavities.

• Medications

As per the dentist in Phoenix, intake of medicines affects oral health. It reduces the flow of saliva in the mouth which is a protection for teeth and gums.

• Poor habits

Gingivitis develops due to not brushing or flossing teeth regularly. Smoking affects the gum tissues which are not able to repair themselves.

Symptoms of gum disease or periodontitis

Healthy gums are firm and pink and fit properly around the teeth. Gum disease occurs slowly and is not painful. It shows some signs even at the late stage of the disease. Symptoms are very generic but should not be avoided such as-

• Gums bleeding during and after brushing the teeth
• Red, swollen or puffy gums
• Tenderness in gums when touched
• Bad breath or not having a good taste in the mouth
• Spaces develop between the teeth and gums
• The teeth are shifting or falling

Gum disease affects certain teeth in some people such as molars. You may not notice such symptoms but the dentist in 85032 can determine and recognize the development of gum disease.

How is periodontitis diagnosed?

The dentist will detect the signs of periodontitis at an early stage during a routine dental examination. They will keep track of the periodontal status so that it does not get worse. Therefore, it is important to go to the dentist for a regular check-up.

The dentist will check for pockets on the gums with an instrument. If plaque or tartar is found on the teeth, they are removed as a part of professional cleaning. For further testing and treatment, dental x-rays are taken.

Treatment of periodontal disease

The plaque and bacterial deposits on the teeth and gums are removed.

Oral hygiene practices- Few tips on how to keep the teeth healthy.

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss once a day at least
• Use an electric toothbrush
• Visit the dentist semi-annually
• Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco

Antibiotics

In severe cases, the dentist will prescribe medicines to get rid of the gum infections which cannot be removed through cleanings. An antibiotic could be in the form of mouthwash, gel, oral tablet or capsule.

Periodontitis can be treated successfully if diagnosed early. Search for a dentist near me and visit regularly to prevent periodontitis.