What Is Periodontal Disease?
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Tinton Falls, NJ
Good oral health starts with a good brushing and flossing regimen, yet 20% of Americans admit that they never floss and nearly one out of four people have skipped brushing their teeth two days in a row or more. With these high levels of dental neglect, it’s no wonder that periodontal disease is on the rise. Fortunately, if caught early, gum disease can be entirely reversed. At Premier Periodontics and Implant Dentistry we know how to both quickly spot the first signs of gum disease and also how to thoroughly treat it, giving you back your healthy and beautiful smile that you can be proud of.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection in the teeth and gums that arises from poor oral health. When tartar builds up along the gumline, the bacteria in it start to attack the soft tissue in your mouth, making them vulnerable to infection. This can lead to a host of complications, including bleeding when you brush and floss, swollen and puffy gingival tissue, receding gums, and even tooth loss.
When periodontal disease is still in its early stages, it is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is diagnosed by inflammation of your gum tissue and is often painless, making it all the more difficult to catch on your own. That’s why regular dental appointments are so vital, giving you a chance to stop this subtle but dangerous disease in its tracks before it can progress and become worse.
If your gum disease advances, it becomes a condition known as periodontitis, which can be quite harmful. That means the disease has progressed to your bone tissue, increasing your risk of complications. It is diagnosed by the presence of pockets between your tooth roots and your gum line. Not only can you develop an infection and abscess in your mouth, but periodontitis is also associated with other conditions such as heart attack, stroke, cancer, and even death.
Fortunately, gum disease does not automatically mean that you are going to lose your teeth or your life. If spotted early, you can cure it on your own at home with a good oral health routine in place. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, using a soft-bristled brush, for two minutes per session. You also need to floss at least once a day.
Floss after you brush your teeth to avoid pushing bacteria further up under your gums, using an 18-inch length of floss and working a fresh segment of floss all the way over your tooth and under your gums. Antibacterial mouthwash can also be beneficial, but please be aware that it is no replacement for good brushing and flossing.
Treatment for advanced periodontal disease does require intervention from us, as it does not go away on its own. We may advise a procedure known as scaling and root planing or, if the disease has progressed severely already, we may have to perform a surgery on the affected teeth, such as a gum graft or root canal.
If you suspect that you may be suffering from periodontal disease, or if it has been longer than six months since your last dental appointment, please call our office here at Premier Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at (732) 747-1766 right away to schedule an appointment for a dental checkup and cleaning and, if necessary, treatment for periodontal disease.