Periodontal Disease in Cherokee, Iowa
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, occurs when there is inflammation in your gums. Inflammation in your gums can happen through a buildup of plaque on the gums around your teeth. There are two types of periodontal disease. The first step of periodontal disease is gingivitis. If this disease progresses, it moves into periodontitis. Gingivitis is a reversible condition. However, when it goes to periodontitis, it cannot be reversed. Below is more information about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for periodontal disease.
What are the Causes of Periodontal Disease?
When you eat and drink food, bacteria and debris collect on your teeth. If you do not remove the bacteria from your teeth with good oral hygiene practices, it will contain and develop into plaque. If left on your teeth long enough, plaque develops into tartar, which can only be removed in the dental office. Plaque and tartar buildup on your gums irritates them and causes inflammation. If you have gingivitis, or gum inflammation, for an extended period, the gingivitis turns into periodontitis, which cannot be removed. It then forms pockets between your teeth and gums, which collects more bacteria and debris, perpetuating the process.
What are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?
Inflamed gums can appear red and swollen. You also may notice soreness and bleeding gums when you brush your teeth. Your gum line may begin to recede, which can make your teeth appear longer than they usually do. Something else that may occur is spaced between your teeth, lost teeth, or pain while chewing.
What Treatments are There for Periodontal Disease?
There are a few different types of treatments for gum disease. There are non-surgical and surgical options. The first nonsurgical option is a professional dental cleaning. When you are first diagnosed with gum disease, this may be the first treatment they do. In this treatment, they remove plaque and tartar buildup. Another nonsurgical option is scaling and root planning. This procedure is a bit more intense and requires a local anesthetic. The other options are surgical and include bone grafting, tissue regeneration, and flap surgery.
What is the Risk of Living with Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease affects not only the health of your gums but also your overall health. When someone has periodontal disease, bacteria are introduced into their gums. These bacteria then travel throughout the body, causing problems. A few issues periodontal disease can lead to includes, a stroke, heart disease, and more.
How to Prevent Periodontal Disease?
The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to avoid plaque buildup on your teeth and gums. To prevent the buildup of plaque, practice good oral hygiene every day. Oral hygiene includes brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash twice a day. The best way to brush your teeth is to brush in a C shape across your teeth and gums.
Besides good oral hygiene, the second-best way to prevent plaque buildup is to visit Dr. Rider at Rider Family Dentistry every six months. During your six-month dental visit to see Dr. Rider, you will receive a dental exam and cleaning. A dental cleaning is a deep professional cleaning of your teeth that removes plaque and tartar buildup — the cult rips of gum inflammation. Remember to schedule your dental appointment with Rider Family Dentistry every six months to keep your teeth healthy.
Periodontal disease can be a dangerous disease. It is essential to treat periodontal disease early because it cannot be reversed if it is not treated early. Furthermore, the bacteria can get into your bloodstream and cause systemic effects such as stroke and heart disease if not treated early. For more information about periodontal disease or to schedule your appointment today, call our office.