Early Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease

During its early stages, periodontal disease is known as gingivitis and is mainly indicated by swollen and inflamed gums that are easily bruised and bleed quite often. However, periodontal disease is referred to as periodontitis in its advanced stages.

In the advanced stage, it can get more intense, and during this stage, the gums pull away from the teeth forming pockets that harbor and encourage bacterial growth. As it advances, if left unchecked and untreated, periodontal disease can lead to the loss of teeth.

Periodontal disease is quite a common dental issue mainly observed in adults, and next to tooth decay, it is one of the most prevalent dental issues.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

The accumulation of plaque mainly causes periodontal disease. It progresses and advances the more plaque accumulates on teeth. Plaque is the sticky substance that forms and coats your teeth’s surfaces when the bacteria break down starch and sugar in your mouth.

Plaque can be effectively removed when you practice proper oral hygiene, which involves brushing your teeth at least twice every day after meals and flossing once daily. Plaque, if left to accumulate, hardens and forms a substance known as tartar.

Tartar usually forms and hardens along and under the gum line and can only be removed during professional cleaning sessions such as the ones we offer by our dentist in North Austin, TX. When tartar and plaque accumulate, it can lead to gingivitis, the initial stage of periodontal disease.

Without being treated, gingivitis further develops into periodontitis, characterized by the formation of pockets between your teeth and gums. These pockets hide bacteria, tartar, and plaque, which begin to infect the bone tissue, leading to tooth loss.

Early Signs to Look Out for that Indicate Periodontal Disease

You can keep an eye out for several warning signs indicating the early onset of periodontal disease. These include:

• Bleeding gums. When you notice your gums bleeding easily during brushing or flossing, it can serve as an early indication of periodontal disease
• Tender, painful, irritated, or inflamed gums
• Having recurring bad breath
• Having a foul taste in your mouth that persists over time
• Sensitive teeth
• Experiencing pain in the mouth when you are chewing or biting down on food
• Receding gums
• Shifty or loose teeth

Keep in mind that the early signs of periodontal disease may not be so noticeable. The best way to stay ahead of this dental issue is to ensure you visit our dentist near you regularly.

Treatment

Periodontics in Austin, TX, offers various treatment options for periodontal disease, which may vary from non-surgical to surgical options.

The treatment option selected will be based on the severity and stage of your periodontal disease.

Non-surgical treatment options

• Scaling- this is a dental procedure used to remove tartar, plaque, and bacteria from the surface of your tooth and beneath the gums
• Root planning- this dental procedure involves smoothing out the root surfaces to discourage the further accumulation of plaque and tartar, which causes periodontal disease
• Prescribed medication- in other instances, our dentist may prescribe antibiotics to treat any infection. This treatment option is coupled with other treatment plans to ensure the infection is stopped altogether

Surgical treatment options

• Tissue grafting- this surgical treatment is used when a patient has a receded gum line. Tissue is obtained from other regions within the mouth and used to reinforce the damaged gum tissues
• Bone grafting is used when the infection has eroded the bone tissue. The bone tissue introduced helps reinforce loose teeth that may occur as a result of advanced periodontal disease
• Flap surgery involves lifting up the gum tissue to give room for proper scaling and root planning. It can also give room for bone tissue recontouring

Is Periodontal Surgery Necessary After Five Years of Inactive Periodontitis?

It might still be necessary to undergo periodontal surgery even after five years of inactive periodontitis in order to rectify the effects of the dental disease, such as deep gum pockets, receding gums, or even eroded bone tissue.

Our dentist will examine the condition of your teeth and gums and help you make a well-informed choice that will improve your oral health and restore your smile.

How Should You Prevent Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a preventable dental issue. To avoid this disease, ensure that you practice proper oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth correctly every day. Apart from practicing proper oral hygiene, visit our dentist near you regularly for dental checkups and thorough dental cleaning sessions. These professional cleaning procedures are necessary to eliminate accumulated plaque and tartar, which cause periodontal disease.

Contact us at Peak Dental- North Austin for periodontal disease prevention and treatment procedures.