Periodontal Disease | Oral Health Conditions

The gums are soft tissue covering your tooth roots. They protect them from bacteria and food particles that can cause decay or gum inflammation. The gums also help keep the space between your teeth open, so you don't have to chew too hard for your teeth to fit together correctly. If they become inflamed or infected with plaque-causing bacteria, it may be called periodontitis. This condition affects most people at some point during their lives.

Overview

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the tissues that support your teeth. It affects about half of all adults at some point during their lives. If you're experiencing periodontal problems now or if they were present before coronavirus hit, it may be because of other factors besides just having poor oral hygiene. This article will help you understand what causes periodontal diseases so you can take steps to prevent them from getting worse.

The Causes of Periodontal Disease

The causes of gum disease are not fully understood but may include:

Poor oral hygiene - Brushing or using dental floss daily helps prevent bacterial plaque buildup, leading to inflammation and eventually gum disease. If you have trouble keeping your mouth clean, talk with your dentist about ways to improve your cleaning routine.

Genetics - Some people inherit specific genes that make them more susceptible to developing gum disease than others. This means some individuals will develop it at earlier ages than other people.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

The first sign of gum disease may be no symptoms at all. As it progresses, you might notice:

•   Bleeding from the gums when brushing or eating
•   Painful chewing
•   Soreness around the mouth
•   Bad breath
•   Tooth sensitivity
•   Loose teeth

If you have any of these signs, see your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment will prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.

Treatment for Gum Disease

If you have mild gum disease, it often improves without treatment. However, if you don't treat early-stage gum disease, it could progress into more severe forms. Treatment includes scaling and root planing, which removes bacterial deposits beneath the gum line. If needed, this procedure may be followed by surgery to repair damaged tissue. Your dentist may recommend antibiotics to prevent further infections.

Other treatments may involve changing how frequently you brush or floss.

Helpful Tips to Prevent Gum Disease

• To prevent gum disease from getting worse, follow these tips:
• Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Floss once a week.
• Don't smoke! If you do smoke, quit now.
• Visit your dentist regularly so they can monitor your progress and offer advice if needed.

If you have questions about oral health, please contact Eagle County dentist Dr. Paul Corcoran DDS today. Dr. Paul Corcoran is offering Emergency dentistry in Eagle co & Gypsum. We believe engaging with and giving back to our community is of utmost importance. 

We look forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health.