What You Need to Know About Periodontal Disease
Posted on: 26 January 2021
You may have heard of periodontal disease or gum disease before, but what you may not know is that it is a common condition, and there's a chance that you may be dealing with it right now. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria and can lead to severe consequences if left untreated, including tooth loss and gum damage. To prevent periodontal disease, you need to know more about it. Here are three things that you should be aware of when it comes to this condition.
What Causes Periodontal Disease
The first thing that you should know about periodontal disease is what causes this condition. Periodontal disease is caused by a sticky film of bacteria, also known as plaque. Failure to remove this plaque through proper dental care can lead to sore or swollen gums, also known as gingivitis. If not addressed, your gingivitis can worsen into periodontal disease. Plaque is the leading cause of this condition, but other things can make you more susceptible to it, including smoking, certain illnesses, hormonal changes, and a genetic predisposition for oral health problems.
The Symptoms to Watch For
Knowing what symptoms to watch out for is vital when it comes to periodontal disease. There are a few signs that can indicate that plaque is taking hold. A few things to watch out for include bleeding gums after your brush or floss your teeth, gum recession, tender or swollen gums, a visible buildup of plaque, and unpleasant breath. A few signs that indicate that you are experiencing more advanced periodontal disease include loose teeth, losing teeth, and pain. If anything seems amiss, you should seek help from your dentist as soon as possible. Early action is the best way to prevent advanced periodontal disease.
How to Treat Periodontal Disease
While keeping up with your oral hygiene goes a long way toward preventing periodontal disease, there are treatments available if you have this condition. Treating your periodontal disease can cost anywhere from $500 to as much as $10,000. The more extensive your periodontal disease, the more it will cost to treat. Periodontal disease treatments include deep scaling, root planing, tissue regeneration, and surgery for pocket elimination. Your dentist will advise you on which treatments will work best.
Periodontal disease is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss if untreated. The good news is that there are treatments available if you have this condition. Contact local dental clinics to address your concerns.
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