7/6/2023
Periodontal disease is a serious gum infection that can damage the tissues and bones that support your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.
There are two main types of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.
1. Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis.
2. Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of periodontal disease. It destroys the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. This can cause teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.
Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If plaque is not removed regularly, it can harden into tartar. Tartar can irritate the gums and lead to inflammation.
There are a number of risk factors for periodontal disease, including:
- Poor oral hygiene. Not brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can allow plaque to build up.
- Genetics. Some people are more susceptible to periodontal disease than others.
- Medical conditions. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and HIV, can increase your risk of periodontal disease.
- Tobacco use. Smoking can damage the gums and make it more difficult to fight off infection.
If you think you may have periodontal disease, it is important to see a dentist for a diagnosis and treatment. Treatment for periodontal disease typically includes:
- Professional cleanings. Your dentist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth.
- Scaling and root planing. This procedure removes plaque and tartar below the gum line.
- Antibiotics. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to help fight the infection.
- Gum surgery. In severe cases, gum surgery may be necessary to repair the damage caused by periodontal disease.
With proper treatment, periodontal disease can be successfully managed. However, it is important to continue to see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings to prevent the disease from coming back.
Here are some tips to help prevent periodontal disease:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.
- Floss your teeth once a day.
- Use mouthwash that contains fluoride.
- See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
- Quit smoking.
- Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
By following these tips, you can help keep your gums healthy and prevent periodontal disease.
At Prodent Advanced Dental Care, we provide all the dental services with extreme care and personal interest. We maintain consistency of doctors, which helps our patients to have a comfortable and friendly atmosphere while undergoing required treatment and it will help the patient to follow-up the treatment in future years comfortably.
