If you have periodontal disease, you’re not alone. Around half of adults have gum disease to some degree. But, the most important thing you can do to save your teeth and improve your oral health is to have good dental hygiene and frequent dental visits.
Call Beckstead Dental Group today to learn more about our periodontal disease management and treatment options!
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is a common but serious oral health issue. When you have gum disease, it means you have infected and inflamed gum tissue. Without proper treatment and management, gum disease can lead to severe infections and tooth loss.
During the early stages of periodontal disease, it’s possible to reverse the effects, but as the disease progresses, permanent bone loss can occur.
Signs of Periodontal Disease
The signs and symptoms of periodontal disease may worsen as the disease progresses. Generally, you should go to the dentist if you notice any of these things:
- Gums that are red or purple
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Pain when you chew
- Gums pulling away from the teeth
- Sore gums
- Loose teeth
Remember that periodontal disease is much easier to treat and manage at the early stages. So, the sooner you address the issue, the better the results will be.
It’s also important to note that some people are at higher risk for developing gum disease than others. Risk factors include hormonal changes, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, heart disease, adn chronic stress.
Stages of Gum Disease
There are four main stages of periodontal disease. Let’s review what each of them look like:
- Gingivitis: At the earliest stages, you’ll notice red gums and bleeding while flossing. Gingivitis can be reversed with treatment.
- Mild periodontitis: As bacteria gets into your gums, it starts to impact the bone. You may notice that your gums pull away from your teeth and create pockets that can’t be reached by brushing or flossing.
- Moderate periodontitis: At this stage, the bacteria will benign to erode the soft tissues and gums in your mouth, causing symptoms like pain and infection around the gum line.
- Advanced periodontitis: Once the condition worsens, bone loss will progress, leading to loose teeth. Often, people lose teeth at this stage.
The best way to treat periodontal disease is with good dental hygiene habits, such as daily brushing, daily flossing, and regular dental visits. Call us today for a checkup and cleaning to keep your gums healthy!
Gum Disease Treatment in a Caring Environment!
Periodontal disease can be uncomfortable at best and life-threatening at worst. At the first sign of periodontal disease, the best thing to do is book an appointment with our dentists at Beckstead Dental Group.
We provide treatment options such as dental cleanings, root scaling and planing, and oral hygiene management. Our helpful dental team will help you make changes to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Reach out today to request an appointment in Palo Alto!