Periodontal disease occurs when plaque and tartar accumulate beneath the gum line. Without proper treatment, the oral health condition can result in gum recession, tooth loss, and other issues. However, if you learn to recognize the early signs of this condition, you can effectively treat it. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about gum disease.

What You Should Know About Gum Disease

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

In the beginning stages of gum disease, you may notice that your gums are redder and more swollen than usual. They may also bleed when you brush your teeth. If the condition advances into periodontal disease, you may experience gum recession, loose teeth, and painful chewing.

Advanced periodontitis has been linked to other conditions that may present various symptoms, ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to coronary artery disease.

What causes gum disease?

Food particles and bacteria accumulate in your mouth throughout the day. If they stay on your teeth too long, they can develop into plaque, which eventually turns into tartar if left unchecked. If the tartar reaches below the gum line, it can cause gum disease.

What treatments are available?

The treatment your dentist recommends will depend on how advanced the condition is. If your gum disease is in the early stages, a professional cleaning and good oral hygiene will likely resolve any symptoms.

If the condition is more advanced, scaling and root planing may be necessary. During this procedure, a dentist will use special tools to remove plaque from the root of the tooth.

Can you prevent gum disease?

Daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist’s office are the most effective ways to prevent periodontal disease. Increasing your vitamin C intake, quitting smoking, and rinsing with mouthwash may also reduce your risk.

If you have signs of periodontal disease or are looking to prevent any oral health issues, turn to the professionals at Elberta Dental in Baldwin County, AL. The clinic has been serving the area with quality routine and cosmetic dentistry services for over 25 years. From teeth cleanings to gum disease treatments and teeth whitening, they will help you achieve healthy teeth and gums. For more information about their services, call (251) 986-3500 or visit their website.