Periodontal gum disease is a bacterial infection in the gums around the teeth. The first stage of periodontal gum disease is gingivitis. There is usually no pain or discomfort experienced in this stage and that is why gingivitis can easily progress to a more serious condition called periodontitis. Periodontal gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. In addition, the bacteria that causes gum infection and disease is associated with the development of strokes and heart attacks.
These are some of the warning signs of periodontal gum disease:
-Gums that bleed easily when you brush your teeth
-Gums that are red inflamed or tender
-Persistent case of bad breath
-Constant bad taste in your mouth
-Pus appears between gums and teeth
-Receding gums that make your teeth look longer
-Deep pockets surrounding gums and teeth
-Tooth becomes loose
-A change in your bite or teeth does not fit together well
Good oral hygiene is the best defense against periodontal gum disease. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to clean between your teeth. Regular cleaning with the dentist is another necessary preventive measure as well as oral check-ups to detect periodontal gum disease early.
To diagnose periodontal gum disease, a person must undergo periodontal examination. During this procedure, the state of the gums and teeth is checked. The dentist or periodontist looks out for any bleeding or swelling in the gums as well as looseness and sensitivity in the teeth. You may also have to get an X-ray of your mouth to determine any bone destruction.
One important factor that indicates the severity of periodontal gum disease in an individual is the size of the pockets that surround the teeth. Deeper pockets mean a more serious gum disease. Healthy gums have pockets not exceeding 3 millimeters. If it reaches 3 to 5 millimeters or even deeper, this means tartar has invaded the area underneath the gum line. In this condition, there will be apparent bone loss and gum recession.
For professional treatment of periodontal gum disease, you can consult either a dentist or periodontist, who has specialized training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.
There are different methods to treat periodontal gum disease. Your dentist or periodontist will suggest the best treatment for you depending on the results of your exam and the severity of the gum disease.
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