A Dentists Seattle Guide To Periodontal Disease

A Dentists Seattle Guide To Periodontal Disease

by

Fidler on the Tooth

Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease is a painless condition that can quickly lead to some serious problems. Also called a silent disease because it doesn t always show symptoms, untreated periodontal disease can lead to receding gums, permanent tooth loss, and even the risk of life threatening health conditions like stroke and heart attack. Since periodontal disease is often silent and painless, the best way to discover it is by conducting self checks and visiting your dentist regularly. This article provides an expert dentists in Seattle guide to periodontal disease.

The Cause Of Periodontal Disease

The same culprit responsible for causing cavities and dental decay is also the number one cause of periodontal disease plaque. As plaque builds up on the gums and around the gum line of the teeth, gums become red and swollen, a condition called gingivitis. Luckily, it s easy to treat gingivitis with a routine of regular brushing and flossing along with gargling daily with an antibacterial mouthwash.

However, if you leave gingivitis untreated, it worsens into periodontal gum disease. This causes the gums to separate from the teeth, which creates little pockets where plaque and bacteria enter and cause serious infections that can lead to fast bone deterioration.

With separated gums and a jawbone weakened by deterioration, the teeth cannot anchor as they naturally do to stay in place. This means they eventually become so loose they fall out. Periodontal disease can also cause a bacterial infection that gets into the blood stream, leading to an increased risk of stroke and heart disease. In fact, people with periodontal disease have twice as much chance of developing heart disease.

Checking For Periodontal Disease

Symptoms to check for at home include bad breath, bleeding gums, swollen gums, loose teeth, and gums pulling away from the teeth. If you notice any of these symptoms, visit your dentist immediately. The best way to avoid developing gum disease is regular brushing and flossing as well as using an antibacterial mouthwash every day. You should also visit your dentist at least twice per year for a periodontal disease check up and cleaning, especially if you have an increased risk because you smoke, have diabetes, or grind your teeth.

Treating Periodontal Disease

One of the most common treatments for periodontal disease is flap surgery. This involves reshaping the gums so they fit snugly around the base of your affected tooth again. Your dentist will separate your gum from your tooth, folding it back like a flap that exposes the root and the bone. After cleaning the tissue and removing the plaque and bacteria, your dentist will replace the gum tightly around the tooth so it can regrow and hopefully reanchor your natural tooth.

Periodontal disease is serious and can lead to life threatening health problems. Luckily, you can avoid periodontal disease by practicing good oral hygiene habits that include brushing, flossing, antibacterial rinses, self checks, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups that include a periodontal disease check and tooth cleaning that leaves you with a sparkling, healthy smile.

Discover your smile’s potential, visit a

Seattle dentist

today.

Article Source:

ArticleRich.com