What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is an infection that affects the tissues holding your teeth in place. The infection is often caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth as a result of poor oral hygiene. If the bacterial growth is left unchecked, it can harden, forming plaque and tartar, which can be acidic and cause the protective gum tissue and bones to strip away over time. Only your dentist can remove any tartar that has formed.

Four Stages of Gum Disease

You may wonder, “How do I know I have gum disease?” Gum disease is a progressive condition that can be broken into four stages. Understanding these four stages can help you identify whether you have gum disease and when it’s time to see our periodontist for proper treatment.

1. Gingivitis: The earliest stage of periodontal disease characterized by gum inflammation. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and bleeding during brushing or flossing. At this stage, the damage is reversible with proper dental care and improved oral hygiene.
2. Early Periodontitis: As gingivitis progresses, it turns into early periodontitis. During this stage, the inflammation spreads to the bone, causing slight bone loss. Pockets begin to form around the teeth, and you might experience increased bleeding and gum recession.
3. Moderate Periodontitis: This stage involves more significant bone loss, increased pocket depth, and more severe gum recession. Teeth may start to loosen as the supporting structures become damaged.
4. Advanced Periodontitis: The final stage of periodontal disease is characterized by severe bone loss, deep pockets, and teeth that may become very loose or fall out. At this point, extensive treatment is necessary to manage the disease and prevent tooth loss.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Recognizing the symptoms of periodontal disease early can help you know when it’s time to see a periodontist before the condition worsens. Here are the key symptoms to watch for:

1. Red, Swollen Gums: Healthy gums should be firm and pink. Redness and swelling are early signs of inflammation.
2. Bleeding Gums: Gums that bleed easily, especially during brushing or flossing, indicate gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.
3. Persistent Bad Breath: Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that doesn’t go away even after brushing could be a sign of periodontal disease.
4. Receding Gums: If your teeth appear longer because your gums are pulling away from the teeth, this is a sign of gum recession, which can be caused by periodontal disease.
5. Loose Teeth: As periodontal disease progresses, it can damage the bone that holds your teeth in place, causing teeth to loosen or shift.
6. Painful Chewing: Pain or discomfort when chewing can be a sign that your teeth are not properly supported due to gum disease.
7. Pus Between Teeth and Gums: Pus is a sign of infection and requires immediate attention from a dental professional.

Which Treatments Does Our Periodontist Provide?

What does a periodontist do? At Newtown Dentistry, our periodontist offers a range of treatments designed to manage periodontal disease and restore your oral health. Here are some common procedures:

1. Scaling and Root Planing: This deep-cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the root surfaces to prevent further buildup.
2. Periodontal Surgery: In advanced cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. This can include procedures such as flap surgery to reduce pocket depth, bone grafts to restore lost bone, and soft tissue grafts to address gum recession.
3. Dental Implants: Our periodontist is an expert in placing dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots that provide a foundation for replacement teeth.
4. Laser Therapy: We use advanced laser technology to treat periodontal disease, which can be less invasive and promote faster healing.
5. Medications: Antibiotics and other medications may be prescribed to control infection and inflammation.
6. Maintenance Treatment: After initial treatment, ongoing maintenance therapy is crucial to prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease. This includes regular cleanings and checkups to monitor your oral health.

Understanding when to see a gum doctor can significantly affect your oral and overall health. Gum disease has been linked to such conditions as heart disease, diabetes, strokes, rheumatoid arthritis, and more. If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease or have risk factors such as smoking or diabetes, that’s when you should see a periodontist. Early intervention can prevent gum disease progression and protect your overall health.

Newtown Dentistry is committed to helping you maintain good oral hygiene with regular dental visits to prevent periodontal disease. If you have concerns about your gum health, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our expert periodontist. Or call us anytime at (215) 608-6401 with questions.