Causes and Solutions of Periodontitis

Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is a severe infection that destroys your soft tissue and can seriously damage the bone that holds your teeth in the case of delayed or no treatment. It is a common illness that affects many people every year. Luckily, you can come to us for expert dental care, and we can help you alleviate the problem before it causes severe consequences.

Causes Of Periodontitis

Periodontitis is primarily caused by the accumulation of plaque in your mouth. Plaque contains bacteria that over time lead to the development of the disease by first causing gingivitis, a condition whereby you have inflamed gums. The gums begin to swell and bleed, and you can sometimes experience some mild pain. Fortunately, gingivitis is easy to manage and can be treated by proper dental care such as regular flossing, brushing, and thorough dental cleanings. However, if left untreated and improperly managed, gingivitis then leads to periodontitis.

Periodontitis Symptoms

Signs of periodontitis are numerous and include swollen and bleeding gums, bad breath, tender gums, pain when chewing, tooth loss, and a change in color of your gums to bright red or purplish gums. Additionally, you may experience pus in your gums, gums that recede and you may spit out blood during brushing and flossing.

Diagnosis Of Periodontitis

During diagnosis, your dentist will initially inquire about your medical history and any symptoms you may have experienced. Your gums will be examined to check for inflammation, and an X-ray can be conducted to examine if there is bone loss.

Treatment

Periodontitis treatment is dependent on the severity of the condition. You can undergo deep cleaning or even surgery. However, it is always crucial to maintain proper hygiene habits and you can visit us for dental cleanings and checkups to prevent periodontitis.