PERIODONTAL DISEASE CARE

Individualized treatment plans to get your periodontitis under control

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease or periodontitis, is a common infection of the soft tissues surrounding the teeth that can range from mild to severe. If left untreated, periodontal disease is a progressive condition that can damage the bone beneath the teeth and lead to tooth loss. Good oral hygiene plays a key role in the prevention of gum disease. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily and regular visits to the dentist for checkups are the best tools in combating and preventing periodontal disease.

In its early stages, periodontal disease is referred to as gingivitis. Gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth are the main symptoms of gingivitis. Swollen, red gums are indicative of inflammation which is caused when plaque rests on the gum tissue and the bacteria present in the plaque releases toxins. If plaque is not removed, it will harden into a substance called tartar which is more difficult to clean and traps bacteria. The longer tartar stays on your teeth the more damage it can do as you cannot remove tartar with brushing and flossing.

Periodontal disease has a high chance of being reversed especially in its early stages which is why it is vital to maintain your twice yearly exams. At Tidewater Family Dentistry, we will address your periodontal needs and together we will determine a treatment plan that will get your periodontitis under control and your overall oral health back on track.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

Most often periodontal disease is caused by poor oral hygiene. Even if you are diligent about brushing your teeth two times a day, plaque and bacteria can build up between your teeth. If the plaque is left between your teeth the bacteria will cause your gums to swell and become inflamed. This can lead to a chronic inflammatory condition known as gingivitis. The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed easier than you may think. Adding flossing to your daily hygiene routine will go a long way in clearing the plaque from between your teeth and reducing the bacteria. There are other causes of periodontal disease like:

Hormonal changes – women may notice that their gums bleed more during pregnancy and later in menopause. These hormonal changes can make gums more sensitive and more inflamed.
Medications – certain medications can have a direct impact on your oral health. Side effects of medications can reduce the saliva in your mouth causing it to feel dry. Having less saliva can throw off the pH of your mouth causing it to be more acidic.
Smoking – using tobacco products can make it more difficult for the gum tissue to repair itself which makes periodontal disease challenging to control.
Genetics – periodontal disease may tend to run in families so if you have other family members with gingivitis or periodontal disease it may increase your chance of developing the condition.
Chronic health conditions – certain illnesses may affect the condition of your gums such as diabetes or cancer. As these diseases weaken the immune system, conditions such as gingivitis can more easily take hold.

What are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

At your six month checkups, Tidewater Family Dentistry will perform routine periodontal checks to determine if you have any form of gum recession, changes in your pocket depth or inflammation. Identifying gum issues early increases the chance of successful treatment and even reversal of the condition. At routine visits, you will have any tartar removed by our professional dental hygienist and your Newport News, VA general dentist, Dr. Randy Owen can recommend any treatment necessary to help you maintain great oral health. If you have the early stages of periodontal disease, it will be identified at your 6 month checkups. Some symptoms you may notice if gingivitis is present are:

Red or swollen gum tissue between the teeth
Bleeding during brushing or flossing
Pain when chewing in a certain area of your mouth
Sensitivity to hot or cold when eating and drinking
Receding gum tissue that causes your tooth to appear longer
Spaces developing between teeth
Loose teeth or loss of teeth (in advanced stages of periodontal disease)

Treatment for Periodontal Disease

Most forms of periodontal disease can be treated with nonsurgical procedures. The goal of periodontal treatment is to properly and completely clean the pockets around the teeth to help control the bacteria that causes gum disease. Scaling is a procedure used to remove any tartar that has built up below the gum line. Root planing usually follows the scaling procedure and is designed to smooth the surface of the tooth and root to inhibit the bacteria from forming on rough spots.

Occasionally, patients may need additional treatment with antibiotic gel that is placed in between the teeth and the gum to further reduce the bacteria. Oral antibiotics are sometimes used to completely eradicate any bacteria present. Periodontal treatment in combination with improved home care like brushing more frequently and flossing every day can greatly improve the condition of your gums.

If you are concerned that you have symptoms of periodontal disease, call Tidewater Family Dentistry today at (757) 874-6712 to learn how you can stop the progression and even reverse early stages of gum disease.

Tidewater Family Dentistry promises to meet you wherever you are in your dental journey and there is no oral health issue that is too big or too small to be taken seriously and treated with the highest standard of care. If you are concerned about any gum recession or symptoms of gingivitis, call us today at (757) 874-6712.