The Most Common Cause Of Periodontitis: Gum Disease

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that affects the gums, bones, and other tissue surrounding the teeth. It can cause pain, swelling, and bleeding in the gums, and can even lead to tooth loss if left untreated. The most common cause of periodontitis is gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes of gum disease and how it can lead to periodontitis.

Plaque And Tartar

Plaque is a sticky film that is made up of bacteria, saliva, and food debris. It forms on the teeth and, if not removed daily, can lead to tartar buildup. Tartar is hardened plaque, and it can only be removed by a professional cleaning at a dentist office near me. Plaque and tartar can cause inflammation in the gums, leading to gingivitis. Without proper treatment, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. It occurs when plaque and bacteria build up on your teeth and gums, causing your gums to become red, swollen and irritated. Gingivitis can cause bad breath and may cause your gums to bleed when brushing or flossing. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis.

If you think you have gingivitis, it’s important to make an appointment with a dentist office near me. A dentist will examine your gums and teeth to assess the severity of your gingivitis and create a personalized treatment plan. Common treatments for gingivitis include a professional teeth cleaning, changes in oral hygiene habits, prescription mouthwash or antibiotics.

Risk Factors For Gum Disease

The most common risk factor for gum disease is poor oral hygiene, which can lead to plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to inflammation of the gums, and in turn cause gum disease. Other risk factors include smoking, diabetes, and certain medications. Genetics may also play a role in increasing the likelihood of developing gum disease.

If you think you might be at risk for gum disease, it’s important to visit a dentist office near you for an evaluation. A dental professional can examine your mouth and gums to determine the best course of action to protect your oral health. Regular checkups and cleaning at the dentist office near you can help keep your mouth healthy and prevent gum disease.

Treating Gum Disease

The first step in treating gum disease is to visit your dentist. It’s important to identify and address gum disease as soon as possible before it advances into periodontitis. Visiting your dentist regularly can help prevent and detect any early signs of gum disease. If you’re looking for a “dentist office near me,” you can use the American Dental Association’s website to find a dental clinic in your area.

Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums and take X-rays to assess the severity of your condition. Depending on the extent of the infection, your dentist may recommend professional cleaning or deep cleaning. During a professional cleaning, the dental hygienist will remove tartar and plaque above and below the gum line. During a deep cleaning, they may use scaling and root planing to remove bacteria and plaque from deeper below the gum line.

If the gum disease is more severe, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist for additional treatment. The periodontist can provide specialized treatments such as scaling, root planing, antibiotics, and surgical treatments such as pocket reduction and flap surgery. Additionally, they may also recommend lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, managing stress, and proper oral hygiene habits.

When caught early, gum disease can be successfully treated. If left untreated, it can lead to more severe dental issues such as tooth loss. Be sure to take care of your gums and visit your dentist regularly to keep your smile healthy.