Periodontal Disease

Periodontists deal with diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis, advanced periodontitis, gum recession, and tooth mobility. All these conditions fall under the field of periodontics.

Periodontics is anything that has to do with the supporting structures of a tooth. This includes the bone or the gum that the tooth sits in, which are what deal with periodontal disease. So, it's anything but the tooth itself.

Periodontal disease starts initially with gum swelling and bleeding, which often gets ignored. It then starts to go deeper into your gums, reaching the bone that supports the tooth. Once the bone and the deeper gums get diseased, the tooth starts to get mobile, which eventually leads to tooth loss.

Genetics can play a role in your susceptibility to gum disease. If you know that gum disease runs in your family, you should be very careful about looking after your gums from the very beginning. This involves brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist for regular check-ups.

Gum disease and heart disease are connected. Germs introduced into our bodies through food and personal contact can enter our bloodstream and cause disease in organs such as the heart. Recent research shows that many cases of heart disease actually start from gum disease.

A diet for periodontal disease should include more natural foods, like fruits and vegetables, and less refined diet. Eating foods that require some chewing (but not too hard) like apples or pears, in moderation, can also be beneficial. A normal healthy diet is good for the teeth and gums as well.

To treat periodontal disease, a dentist will start out with taking your x-rays and measuring your gum pockets. Depending on the findings, the treatment could range from a regular cleaning to a deep cleaning or more intensive treatment with antibiotics or laser treatment. In advanced cases, certain surgical procedures may also be necessary.

While gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease, can be managed at home to some extent, periodontitis cannot be treated at home. You must visit a dentist for treatment. The single most important thing is to go to the dentist regularly, even if you're not having any problems with your gums, as this can prevent gum disease.

The best time to schedule a dental appointment is now. Regular check-ups can help in the prevention of gum disease. You can reach us at (714) 744-1242.