What is periodontitis?
Periodontitis, or gum disease, is caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque. If dental plaque remains on your teeth, it becomes tartar, which only a dentist can remove. The build-up of tartar causes your gum tissue to become inflamed, possibly leading to an infection that can damage the soft tissue and bone structures in your mouth. Gingivitis is the least severe form of gum disease, followed by periodontitis and advanced periodontitis.
Periodontitis is primarily an oral health concern; however, scientific research links periodontitis to a higher risk factor for other diseases, including diabetes, stroke, coronary artery disease, heart disease, respiratory infections, arthritis, and even pregnancy or birth complications. Therefore, it is essential to treat periodontitis as a vital factor in your overall health.
Your dentist at Prime Time Dentistry is devoted to diagnosing and treating your periodontal disease. Our priority is to ensure that you receive the kind and personalized care you and your smile deserve.
Symptoms of periodontitis
Since periodontal disease is often painless, it is essential to watch for other symptoms. Some common symptoms of periodontal disease are:
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen or red gums
- Tender or painful gums
- Receding gums
- Halitosis (bad breath) or a bad taste in your mouth
- Pus surrounding your gums or teeth
- Loose teeth
- Space between teeth
Causes of periodontitis
Periodontitis is caused by the remaining plaque and tartar on your gums that irritate and can cause inflammation of your gums. Persistent inflammation of the gums causes pockets between your teeth and gums that can fill with bacteria, plaque, and tartar and become infected. The infection can eventually cause degradation of tissue and bone. While the accumulation of plaque and tartar deeply in the gums is often the cause of periodontitis, some other clauses include:
Heredity: some people are predisposed to periodontal disease.
Hormones: sometimes hormonal changes can make you more susceptible to periodontitis.
Medications: some medications can cause a decrease in the production of saliva and can, therefore, lead to periodontitis. Some medications can also cause an overgrowth of gingiva, making your gums more susceptible to the deep build-up of plaque and tartar.
Tobacco use: as tobacco use impacts your immune system, it can cause periodontal disease. Tobacco use can also promote the growth of harmful bacteria. Chewing tobacco is especially bad for periodontal disease.
Diabetes: Diabetes makes you more susceptible to infections, including gum infections. Periodontitis can also affect your body’s ability to use insulin.
Nutrition: a balanced diet that is sufficient in vitamin C and calcium is vital to your oral health. Calcium supports healthy bones, and vitamin C promotes healthy connective tissue; if your diet lacks these key components, you may be more susceptible to periodontitis.
Your Frisco dentist at Prime Time Dentistry is committed to putting your oral health first. During your visit, your dentist will review your medical history and the medications you are taking to determine the underlying cause of your periodontitis while developing your personalized treatment plan. Your dentist will examine your gums to determine the severity of your periodontitis and whether removing plaque and tartar will be sufficient to treat your periodontitis. If scaling, the removal of the plaque and tartar, is not enough, your dentist may suggest other methods for treating your periodontitis, such as root planing or surface debridement.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, do not put your health at risk any longer. Call our office today at 945-207-7463 for your appointment.
