Periodontal disease is an infection that causes damage to the gum tissues and the jawbone. It is a stage of gum disease that typically starts out very minor, but can lead to serious problems if treatment is not administered. If routine cleanings and exams are maintained, general dentists can usually catch the infection early on so that it does not worsen.
Keep reading to learn more about periodontal disease. The following information can be helpful to those who are experiencing problems with their gums.
Periodontal disease is an infection within the gums. The gums are responsible for holding the teeth in place, which is why any form of gum disease is concerning. Periodontal disease, in particular, is typically caused by a lack of oral hygiene. Those who skip brushing their teeth or forget to floss are very likely to have infected gums. When brushing and flossing are skipped, plaque is likely to turn into tartar, which causes serious infections in the teeth and along the gum lines. Eventually, the gum lines will become so infected that the entire gum tissues will become affected.
Wondering what periodontal disease looks like? Most people experience red and swollen gums. A lot of the time, there is also soreness, bleeding and swelling. Long-term, there may be pain when eating or brushing, as well as potential tooth loss.
Periodontal disease treatment
General dentists usually administer a type of dental deep cleaning when an infection in the gums occurs. Scaling and root planing may be done, which pulls the gums back to allow for the removal of plaque and tartar. Additionally, an oral rinse may be prescribed to help destroy bacteria.
There are a few stages of gum infections and periodontal disease is the middle or later stage, depending on how severe the symptoms are.
- The first stage is called gingivitis and it is usually very minor. Typically, the gumlines are only affected in the first stage.
- Once the infection reaches the periodontal disease stage, it is likely that the gum tissues will feel the effects. The symptoms are often heightened and patients tend to experience more discomfort.
- The last stage of gum disease is referred to as advanced periodontitis. Once the infection reaches the final stage, patients are likely to experience a shift in their teeth, as well as tooth loss.
Avoiding gum disease
In order to avoid any stage of gum infection, periodontal disease included, patients should brush their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time. Additionally, flossing once a day should be done to ensure that food does not get left behind, causing plaque to build-up. Most importantly, visiting a general dentist twice a year or every 6 months can help ensure that infections are caught early on, which can eliminate it reaching the final stages.
Periodontal disease can affect anyone. Once the gums become infected at this stage, it is important to visit a general dentist to undergo the appropriate treatment. Reach out today to learn more about the stages of gum disease or to get started with an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://dentistrybatonrouge.com or call Elizabeth H Guerrero DDS at (225) 360-3914 for an appointment in our Baton Rouge office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Periodontal Disease in Baton Rouge, LA.
Periodontics is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of treatments and procedures related to periodontal, or gum, health. If a general dentist has diagnosed gum disease, they will recommend the proper treatment to restore the patient's gum health.Periodontal therapy may not always include surgery. For example, periodontic treatments like scaling and root planing…
Have you ever been let down by the quality of care you received during a dental visit? Unfortunately, this may be an experience for some patients who are seeking periodontics treatment. The good news is that there are ways to help ensure you choose the right dentist for your periodontics treatment needs.You can help ensure…
Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the inflammatory disease — gum disease — that destroys the gums and other supporting structures around the teeth, including the bone. Gum disease is a common oral health concern that needs treatment to ensure further complications do not develop.It is important to have a full understanding of…
We offer treatment for the structures that are crucial to supporting and surrounding teeth. If these structures do not receive the proper level of care, then your teeth are more susceptible to infection.PeriodonticsAt Elizabeth H Guerrero DDS in Baton Rouge, we work to customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule where possible. Our…
Are you considering getting a smile makeover and looking into all the available options? While some people who want to makeover their smile know exactly what they want, not everyone does. This makes it a good idea for anyone interested in getting their smile made over to understand the options available, which often starts with…
A general dentist is a great resource to utilize when struggling with an unhealthy tooth. They have the training and experience to know how to handle just about any type of damage, whether it be a loose or infected tooth. When it comes to a general dentist pulling a tooth or saving it, there are…