Periodontal Disease

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease — often referred to as gum disease — causes inflammation and infection in the tissue of your gums. It’s a common condition in many adults, and many people may not even know they have it. If left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to the gums and teeth.

There are two main types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a mild infection of the gums that causes inflammation and redness. When treated early, its impacts are reversible.

However, once the disease progresses, it can advance to periodontitis. That permanent condition means the infection has spread beneath the gum line. Without treatment, periodontitis can have serious consequences, including tooth loss. 

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

Initially, periodontal disease may not produce any symptoms. As the condition progresses, however, some common problems usually arise. Some of the most typical signs of periodontal disease are:

• Tenderness or bleeding in the gums
• Redness and inflammation of gum tissue
• Painful chewing
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods
• Loose teeth
• Receding gums
• Bad breath

If you have symptoms of gum disease, the team at Willow Glen Dental Specialists can perform a comprehensive oral examination to determine the stage of your gum disease and how to best treat it.

What causes periodontal disease?

One of the most common causes of periodontal disease is plaque buildup. Plaque is a breeding ground for bacteria, which causes infection in the gums and can lead to gum recession, inflammation, and other symptoms.

Even if you don’t have plaque buildup, periodontal disease can develop for other reasons. Some common causes or risk factors include:

Smoking

Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for periodontal disease. Smoking can also reduce the chances of successful treatment.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that results from long-term high blood sugar levels. It also reduces the body’s ability to fight off infection, leading to periodontal disease.

Hormonal changes

An increase in the production of hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, makes women especially vulnerable to gum disease.

Medications

Medications that inhibit the flow of saliva or cause excess gum tissue growth can increase your chances of developing periodontal disease.

How is periodontal disease treated?

At Willow Glen Dental Specialists, the team can map out a treatment plan to resolve periodontal disease. This might involve several procedures, including pain-free deep cleanings, scaling and root planing, or osseous surgery.

Periodontal disease can take time to resolve, and healing requires you to maintain good oral health habits. Once you’ve had any sort of periodontal therapy, it’s best to have frequent maintenance appointments to monitor your gum and teeth health.

To learn more, call Willow Glen Dental Specialists or schedule an appointment online today.