What Are the Signs & Treatment of Periodontal Disease?
Plaque and tartar can threaten your oral health, but the true villains are actually the bacteria that feed on microscopic food particles. As bacteria are fueled by sugars and starches, they create acids and toxins that irritate your gum tissue, eventually leading to gingivitis and the more serious periodontal disease. Here are a few signs of periodontal disease and how your dentist can treat the condition.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
What Are the Signs?
One of the reasons periodontal disease is so dangerous is that many of the early symptoms are subtle. Gums can become red, tender, and swollen, and you may struggle with chronic bad breath. If the condition is left untreated, the bacteria can end up underneath the gum line, causing the tissue to pull away from the surfaces of the teeth. The gum tissue may also develop small infections, causing oozing and pus accumulation. Eventually, the bacteria can attack the ligament that holds the teeth in place, causing the bite to change and eventually leading to tooth loss.
How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?
Fortunately, every stage of gingivitis and periodontal disease is treatable. One of the most effective treatments for gum disease is deep cleaning the surfaces of the teeth during routine dental cleanings. If more advanced treatment is necessary, your dentist may recommend scaling and planing, which involves scraping away plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, then smoothing the surfaces of the teeth to prevent plaque accumulation in the future.
If you have advanced periodontal disease that has led to tooth loss, your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to control the infection and restorative treatments such as dental implants to rebuild your smile. The team at Elberta Dental has a non-surgical treatment (no scalpels or lasers) for advanced periodontal disease called PerioProtectTM. This treatment does not include the expense of specialists. PerioProtectTM is virtually pain free. In most cases your smile can be saved through this treatment.
If you are concerned about the health of your smile, turn to Elberta Dental for help. With a commitment to complete family dentistry, their team can help with everything from routine checkups for the entire family to advanced treatments for periodontal disease. To learn why this practice has been trusted by people throughout South Baldwin and Escambia County, Florida, for more than 22 years, visit their website or give their office a call at (251) 986-3500.
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