Periodontal Disease

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is the infection of the soft tissues that support your teeth. Even though you may not experience pain in its early stages, you might notice redness and swelling in your gums, which is called gingivitis.

If your condition goes untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontal disease, which can lead to numerous health conditions that not only affect your mouth, but also your entire body.

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

If you haven’t brushed your teeth or flossed enough, plaque, tartar, and bacteria build up in your mouth and can cause infection leading to periodontal disease.

You may have gingivitis or periodontal disease if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Swollen, red gums
• Bleeding gums
• Sensitive teeth
• Loose permanent teeth
• Receding gums
• Pain when chewing
• Chronic bad breath
• Foul taste in your mouth

If you experience signs that cause concern, see your dentist at Goodman Dental Center as soon as possible.

How does periodontal disease occur?

If you don’t take care of your teeth, an underlying growth of bacteria causes the development of plaque. If plaque isn’t removed, it develops into tartar, which can’t be brushed away. 

Once tartar sets in, it becomes a home to bacteria, which makes your gums swell and possibly leads to infection. You can then develop gingivitis and ultimately get periodontal disease. 

Your gums can begin to recede from your teeth, creating pockets that form diseased, which causes your connective tissues to pull away from your teeth.

Scheduling regular check-ups at the practice can help ward off early signs of the disease.

How is periodontal disease treated?

Your dentist at Goodman Dental Center determines the type of treatment administered by the severity of your condition. In all cases, the team uses precision instruments, proper technique, and healing substances to help resolve any gum issues. 

Treatments can include:

• Deep cleaning of the teeth and gums
• Scaling the gums, scraping off tartar from above and beneath the gum line
• Root planing, smoothing areas that bacteria can be hiding
• Laser removal of plaque and tartar

Your doctor also recommends that you practice good oral hygiene at home by brushing and flossing on a regular basis.

To learn more about periodontal disease, see your dentist at Goodman Dental Center for an evaluation. Call the office, or use the convenient online booking tool today.