Also commonly known as gum disease, periodontal disease can have a devastating effect on your smile. Furthermore, due to how the early symptoms of the condition often appear minor, you may not even realize that you have a problem. Fortunately, regular visits to your Orange Park, FL, dentist, Dr. Michael Vanover, offer a simple way to protect your gums.
Why should I be concerned about periodontal disease?
If untreated, gum disease not only damages your gum tissue, but it also greatly increases your risk of tooth loss. After all, your teeth are held in place by the combination of gums, ligaments, and bone, and any infection in these structures can loosen your teeth and destroy your dental health.
Gum disease may also raise the likelihood that you'll develop other health problems. If the bacteria present in the infection reaches your bloodstream, your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and dementia may increase.
What are the signs of gum disease?
Bleeding when you brush and floss is one of the signs of gingivitis, the mildest form of periodontal disease. You may see blood on your toothbrush or floss, or notice a coppery taste in your mouth after brushing. Gingivitis can also cause chronic bad breath and may even trigger gum changes. For instance, your gums may be red, puffy, and painful, or you may notice that they've begun to recede.
Fortunately, periodontal disease is usually easy to treat at this stage. In fact, you may only need a thorough dental cleaning at your Orange Park dentist's office and a renewed commitment to good oral hygiene. If your disease progresses, you'll need a deep cleaning to remove plaque, bacteria and tartar from above and below your gum line. Pockets may form around your teeth in the later stages of periodontal disease. These deep spaces provide the perfect breeding ground for the bacteria that attacks gum tissue, bones, and ligament. Loose teeth or a change in the way your dentures fit can be a sign of a bacterial invasion.
Periodontal disease can be very painful at this stage. In fact, even chewing may cause pain. If you have severe gum disease, you may need oral surgery to remove diseased gum tissue and bone, place bone and gum grafts, or close your pockets. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat your bacterial infection. Loose teeth can treated with stabilization splints, although tooth loss may be unavoidable in some cases.
Visiting the dentist every six months can help you avoid gum disease and ensure that you receive prompt treatment should you be diagnosed with periodontal disease.
Concerned? Give us a call
Do you have any periodontal disease signs or symptoms? Call your Orange Park, FL, dentist, Dr. Michael Vanover, at (904) 272-2438 to schedule an appointment.