Nearly 50% of adults over the age of 30 have some sort of periodontal disease.
But just because this dental disease is common, doesn’t mean that it’s harmless.
Periodontitis infects your gums, destroying the surrounding soft tissue and even the bones supporting your teeth.
If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, poor heart health, issues with your respiratory system, and even arthritis and an increased risk of stroke.
That’s why seeking periodontists treatment is so essential to improving your smile.
But what are the signs that you may have periodontal disease? Additionally, what should you expect when it comes to both at-home and in-office treatment? Most of all, what can you do to prevent periodontitis in the first place?
Keep on reading this post to find out.
The Signs of Periodontal Disease
Before we discuss how to get rid of periodontal disease, let’s talk about the signs that there’s a problem in the first place.
Take a look at your gums. Are they puffy, swollen, or even deep red or purple? Do they bleed every time you brush your teeth, or even throughout the day? When you touch them, is it painful? Does it hurt when you chew?
What about their length? Does it seem like your gums are receding, giving you the appearance of having long and thin teeth?
Do you have bad breath, loose teeth, and even pus between the gaps in your teeth (which, by the way, only seem to be getting larger?)
All of these symptoms are a sign that you need to investigate periodontists treatment.
Professional Periodontal Disease Treatment
The good news is that there are lots of options when it comes to effective periodontists treatment.
Before you head to your dentist appointment, we suggest that you take note of your symptoms. How long have they been going on, and have they been getting worse?
Also, explain any medication you’re taking, and try to remember when the last time you went to the dentist was. This information will help your dentist to effectively determine the best course of treatment.
There are two main types of periodontal disease treatment, and the main goal is to reduce the size of your gum pockets. You can have both surgical and non-surgical treatments.
Non-Surgical Options
If a dental professional is able to catch the disease early enough, you may not need surgical treatment.
Instead, you may be prescribed a course of antibiotics to stop any current bacterial infections in the mouth. You may take these orally, or you may even be given mouthwash containing antibiotic properties.
Additionally, your dentist will scale your teeth as a part of your treatment. Think of this as a seriously deep cleaning. The goal here is to get rid of both tartar and bacteria. In some cases, the dentist may use a laser to get to hard-to-reach pockets.
Your dentist may also look into root planing, which evens out the roofs of the teeth. In some cases, this method can actually help your teeth to reattach to the gums.
Surgical Options
Knowing what to expect if you have to have surgical treatment from your dentist will help to calm you down.
It’s also a good reminder of why it’s so important to seek treatment as early as you can.
You may need bone and soft tissue grafting. This will help to replace and reinforce the soft tissue you do have left in your gums. Usually, the tissue is taken from your palate and used to cover your roots.
If you need bone grafting, you may have a real or synthetic bone installed to help keep your teeth in place.
In some cases, flap surgery is needed. Also called pocket reduction surgery, the goal here is to allow for a deeper cleaning. Bone recontouring is often added to protect the soft tissue.
Prevention Is the Best Cure
If you really want to know how to get rid of periodontal disease, remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Periodontal disease is caused by continued inflammation in the gums and a consistent build-up of plaque on the teeth. This leads to gingivitis, which then soon transforms into periodontal disease. This is much harder and more expensive to treat.
Yes, it might sound a bit cliched, but proper brushing and flossing will take you a long way. This is the most effective gum pockets home treatment option.
Remember that you should also stop smoking, using chewing tobacco, and even take a hard look at your diet. Obesity, a lack of vitamin C, and poor nutrition all make you more likely to develop periodontitis.
If you have a weak immune system as a result of diabetes or even Crohn’s disease, you’re also much more likely to have dental problems.
Finally, make regular dental cleanings a part of your overall routine.
Taking good care of your overall health is the best way to stop dental disease before it starts.
Make Periodontists Treatment a Priority
We hope that this post has helped you to understand why proper and immediate periodontists treatment is so important.
Remember that practicing good oral hygiene habits is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Looking for more advice on how to look and feel your best? Need to upgrade your self-care routine? Want more tips on what to prepare for during your next trip to the dentist office? Want to get whiter teeth?
We’ve got you covered.
Keep checking back with us to make sure you don’t miss out.
