All You Need To Know About Gum Disease
Gum disease is very serious. If it progresses past gingivitis, its reversible stage, to periodontitis, the only way to get it fixed is through dental care. If you don’t take care of it, it could progress to the point where it could affect your mouth and possibly other parts of your body. Then you need help from your Clearwater dentist.
Here is everything you need to know about periodontitis – its causes, what symptoms to look out for, and what treatments are used for it.
What Causes Periodontitis?
This is what happens when bacteria sticks to the tooth and in the pockets of gum around the tooth. It winds up damaging the tissue and bone that is supporting the teeth in your mouth. Not getting treatment for it can have a lot of long-lasting consequences.
It tends to be long-lasting, too, if you don’t take care of your mouth. Smoking and excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages can increase the odds of getting it. Also, try to avoid foods with a lot of added sugar, like candy. That can lessen the odds of your getting gum disease that turns into periodontitis.
What Are The Symptoms?
When it comes to periodontitis, there are a number of symptoms that you should look out for:
- Swollen or inflamed gums
- Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing
- Bad breath
- Sensitive teeth
- Pain while chewing or eating
- Receding gums
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Extra space between your teeth
- Loose teeth
- Metallic taste in your mouth
- Changes in how it feels when you bite
These symptoms could be a sign of a number of dental illnesses, so it’s best that you go see a dentist immediately if you notice something. There is a chance that it could still be in its early, reversible stage. By going to see the dentist in person, they can get a firsthand look and make the determination then and there. Then they can start working on the treatment for the periodontitis.
How Is It Treated?
Once the gum disease has reached the periodontitis stage, not even brushing and flossing will be able to get rid of it. There are several ways that your Clearwater dentist can treat your periodontitis. They include:
- Scaling and Cleaning – The dentist will clean off plaque and other things that can be causing periodontitis. They will also debride the area and polish it and put fluoride on it. If there is a lot of buildups, it may take more than one session.
- Medication – Your dentist will give you medication, like a rinse or gel, or the dentist may even put the antibiotic right in your gum. You may take a pill, too.
- Surgery – This is usually the last resort if the other treatments don’t work. The dentist may take the bacteria pockets out or get the bacteria off the roots of the tooth, and they may do things to help you regain bone and gum tissue.
You need to get the periodontitis taken care of as soon as possible. If the infection worsens, it can rapidly cause problems for you. You could lose multiple teeth, and if the bacteria gets into your bloodstream, you could wind up having other health issues, including heart disease and cancer. On top of that, you might need surgery and dental implants or dentures as a result. 
The best way to avoid having this happen is to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time, carefully getting each part of your mouth. Floss once a day, using the correct technique. Use mouthwash to protect your mouth overnight. See your dentist twice a year for regular checkups. That way, they can catch any gum disease early on before it becomes periodontitis.
Are you worried that you might have periodontitis? Do you live in or near the Clearwater, Florida area? Come see us at The Dental ER. Our expert staff will examine you and decide on the best course of action. Then you will be able to enjoy a healthy mouth again. Contact us today to make an appointment at 727-449-2424.
Dental Emergency Room
1935 Drew Street,
Clearwater, Florida 33765
Columbus, OH 43205
Phone: 727-449-2424
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