How do you know if you have periodontal disease?
Although periodontal disease may not have obvious signs in its earliest stage, without treatment you may soon start noticing the following things.
- Inflamed, swollen and tender gums
- Bleeding during brushing or flossing
- Bleeding after biting down on a crunchy or hard food
- Receding gums
- Gaps between the teeth and the gums
- A change in the teeth alignment
- Tooth mobility
When should you get checked for periodontal disease?
Most general dentists check for periodontal disease during the course of regular check-ups. In fact, periodontal disease is one of the most common reasons that general dentists refer patients to our periodontist, Dr. Chen. When you arrive at Willow Glen Dental Specialists, you'll undergo periodontal disease evaluation. Dr. Chen performs a thorough evaluation so that treatment can begin as soon as possible.
Why does periodontal disease develop?
Bacteria (in the form of dental plaque and tartar) is typically the cause of periodontal disease. Many bacteria live in the mouth naturally, but those bacteria must exist in a delicate balance of good and bad bacteria if you're to maintain good oral health. When the "bad" bacteria outnumber the healthy bacteria, periodontal disease can occur. Other things can contribute to periodontal disease, with poor oral hygiene being a significant factor in many cases. Genetics may also contribute. If your parents or siblings have periodontal disease, the chances of you developing it yourself may rise.
What can you do to prevent periodontal disease?
Good oral hygiene plays a large role in preventing periodontal disease. Regular twice-daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste can help destroy bad bacteria within the mouth. Flossing once a day, usually before brushing at the end of the night, is also important because it dislodges particles of food that could otherwise stick to the teeth.
How does the periodontist treat periodontal disease?
The approach for periodontal disease depends on your specific situation and on how advanced your periodontal disease is. Options may include:
- Tartar removal
- Antibiotic and other medicinal treatment
- Surgical corrections
- Placement of dental implants when teeth are lost
- Other treatment done by a periodontist includes:
- Bone grafting to help preserve the jaw ridge that may have been lost due to periodontal disease
- Gingival grafting to help restore gums lost due to recession
- Implant placement
- Gingival sculpting to help with evening gumline or helping with a "gummy smile"
- Many other procedures to help restore and maintain the periodontium
Looking for a periodontist you can trust? Willow Glen Dental Specialists can help. Use our online appointment tool to schedule a visit with Dr. Chen now.
