Nearly half of American adults over the age of 30 suffer from periodontal disease, a progressive condition that affects the health of your gums and teeth.
Periodontal disease is a condition that’s comprised of two elements: gum disease and bone disease. Gum disease refers to an infection or inflammation affecting the soft tissues that hold your teeth in place. If left untreated, gum disease doesn’t subside on its own. Without intervention, gum disease will progress and worsen, leading to bone disease, which erodes the bone that supports your teeth. Eventually, bone disease will cause tooth loss.
The most common cause of periodontal disease is neglectful oral hygiene. If your brushing and flossing are subpar, harmful bacteria are allowed to accumulate in hard-to-reach pockets. Over time, these pockets of bacteria irritate the soft tissues that hold your teeth in place and cause infection and inflammation.
Some medical conditions can increase your risk of periodontal disease. Pregnancy or conditions like diabetes can also impact your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections and affecting your oral health. If you have any long-term medical conditions, talk to the team at Genesis Dental about how to best limit your long-term risk for periodontal disease.
There are a variety of alarming signs and symptoms of gum disease, including:
Periodontal disease is a progressive condition, meaning that unless you receive treatment, your symptoms will worsen. Over time, periodontal disease can lead to severe infections, tooth loss, and even loss of facial bone tissue, which can negatively impact your appearance.
At Genesis Dental, treatment for periodontal disease is always personalized to meet your needs and addresses the specifics of your condition. In terms of preventive care, getting professional teeth cleanings at the office at least twice per year is an essential part of limiting your risk of gum disease. The team uses these visits to carefully examine your gums and clean your teeth to remove plaque near the gumline.
In some cases, teeth cleanings can prevent periodontal disease altogether or reverse the effects of a less serious case. However, if your periodontal disease is advanced, you may need additional treatments beyond teeth cleanings. More in-depth, slightly invasive dental cleanings help remove plaque and bacteria from below the gumline. These types of cleanings are called scaling and root planing.
In more severe cases of periodontal disease, surgery or tissue grafting may be needed. If periodontal disease results in lost teeth, the team at Genesis Dental can introduce you to restorative dentistry options to improve your appearance.
To find out more about periodontal disease prevention and treatment options, call the Genesis Dental office today.
Come visit Genesis Dental located in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, Today.
Come see Dr. Lazar and Dr. Galdieri at Genesis Dental, located in Elmwood Park, New Jersey. Call us to book your appointment today.