Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? Have you been told that you have bad breath? Do you suffer from tooth sensitivity? These are just a few symptoms of Periodontal Gum Disease, otherwise known as Periodontitis. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research explains that periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissues that hold teeth in place. Typically caused by poor brushing and flossing, plaque inevitably builds up on the surfaces of teeth and gums. Once the plaque hardens into tartar, gums become more irritated, swollen and prone to bleeding. For advanced cases of periodontal disease, individuals may lose their teeth. That’s why it’s important to understand the causes of gum disease, and how to prevent it.
To begin, bacteria, mucus and other particles line the human mouth. Together, they form plaque, a sticky, colorless substance. Regular brushing and flossing is designed to remove plaque before it hardens. Yet, inconsistencies in oral care may result in plaque resting on teeth and gums for too long. Once plaque has hardened into tartar, only a professional dental cleaning can remove it.
Aside from poor oral hygiene, however, there are other factors to consider when discussing periodontal disease. Some of these include smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes, medications, dry mouth and genetics. Given the symptoms of gum disease and its risk factors, it is even more important to visit a dentist regularly.
How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?
As with other oral health conditions, treatment for periodontal disease depends on the severity of the infection. Thus, a comprehensive dental examination is paramount. A patient’s medical health history will be reviewed, and his or her gums will be assessed for inflammation. Dentists often use a probe to measure the depth of pockets around teeth if gum tissues have receded. Finally, an x-ray may be taken to determine if bone loss is present.
The main purpose of treatment initially is to control the infection, which requires antibiotics. At this stage, it is vitally important for patients to adhere to good oral health habits at home. Furthermore, if the patient is a smoker, a dentist might ask him or her to stop. This is because smoking can make treatment less successful.
The Health Of Your Teeth Is A Key Indicator Of Your Overall Health
At Gramercy Dental Center, we are committed to providing the highest standard of care. To help our patients achieve optimal oral health, we offer a full scope of dental treatments that aim to prevent problems and dental costs in the future. Because the health of your teeth is a key indicator of your overall health, we go to great lengths to educate patients about the importance of regular dental checkups.
Has it been some time since you’ve visited a dentist? Call NYC’s Gramercy Dental Center today!
Posted on behalf of Gramercy Dental Center