What is Periodontal Gum Disease and What Can You Do About It?

Periodontal gum disease arises from an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth, according to the ADA. In fact, periodontal gum disease is a big cause of adult tooth loss. The tricky part is that it is painless, so you can have gum disease and not know it. Periodontal gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque, which is the film you may feel on your teeth.

Be on the lookout for these signs:

• Do your gums bleed easily?
• Are your gums red, tender, or swollen?
• Do your gums seem to pull away from your teeth?
• Do you suffer from chronic bad breath or bad taste?
• Are your permanent teeth becoming loose?
• Do you notice any changes in the way your teeth come together when biting?
• Do you notice any changes in how your partial dentures fit?

Early and regular periodontal treatment in Studio City is important to combat this health risk.

Risk Factors

You could be at a higher risk for gum disease if you:

• Have poor oral hygiene
• Smoke or chew tobacco
• Have a family history of gum disease
• Have crooked teeth that you cannot easily keep clean
• Are pregnant
• Have diabetes
• Take medications such as steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, or oral contraceptives

Be sure to visit your dentist if you have any of the above symptoms or fall into one or more risk categories. The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis, marked by red, swollen and bleeding gums. This is when you want to catch the problem because it is treatable. Your dentist can keep an eye on the condition, clean your teeth thoroughly every six months, and ensure you have a good brushing and flossing routine at home.

If you wait, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is a form of advanced gum disease affecting nearly 50 percent of adults in this country. If left unchecked, it can result in loss of tissue and bone that can get worse over time. It’s only a matter of time before your teeth get loose and fall out.

Get Treated

Early treatment is important and can include both surgical and non-surgical solutions. In mild cases, a thorough professional cleaning known as scaling and root planing can get rid of built-up plaque and tartar at the gum line. For more advanced cases, other procedures may be recommended. Your trusted dentist will discuss all options with you to arrive at the right solutions.

Contact Studio City Dental

Your dentist will be able to check for signs of gum disease at every visit. If you have further questions or would like to schedule a visit, contact us at 818-762-2977.