How to Treat and Prevent Periodontal (Gum) Disease

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious condition that if left untreated, can lead to pain, bleeding gums, and tooth loss. It is caused by tissue near the teeth becoming infected by bacteria. The tissue can become inflamed and painful. When the teeth are exposed to bacteria, they develop barriers of plaque, which are difficult to clean.

The mouth is full of bacteria, and when it is not cleaned, plaque can quickly build up. When plaque builds up on the teeth, it can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar is impossible to clean by simply brushing, and must be treated professionally.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

If you keep a close eye on your teeth, it can be easy to spot periodontal disease before it becomes severe. You may be familiar with the early stage of periodontal disease, known as gingivitis. Gingivitis can result in red, swollen gums that occasionally bleed. Early signs of periodontal disease may include:

• Consistent bad breath
• Swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Discolored gums
• Pain when chewing
• Sensitive or loose teeth

Spotting the warning signs is important to ensuring your full recovery from periodontal disease. Stay aware of your oral health, and alert your dentist if you notice any changes.

How to Treat Periodontal Disease

Treating periodontal disease relies on stopping active infection. Your dentist at Gilbert Dental Group will utilize techniques of conventional, or non-surgical, periodontal therapy, called scaling and root planing. These types of periodontal disease therapy eliminate the contributing bacterial agents, plaque and tartar, that cause inflammation. Eliminating bacteria will help ensure recovery of the periodontium and prevent future infection flare-ups.